"A Reflection of Love"

Reflections4Life™ March 25, 2018

“A Reflection of Love”

“The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” John 12:12-13

Scripture Contemplation: Isaiah 53; Matthew 21; Mark 14:41; John 12; 2 Timothy 3…

©Ruthe McDonald.

Can you picture it today? Can you see it in your mind, your spirit, the triumphal entry of Jesus into Bethany? I can see it so clearly; His riding through as they yelled praises of adoration; throwing palms down, and singing, ‘Hosanna! Hosanna!’ The reflection of love on their faces, as the man, the Rabbi, the Prophet, the Healer, and miracle worker, rode through. Many of them healed and delivered by His touch or just one word from His mouth. Jesus, knowing each one by name, full of love and the knowledge of what was to come, still remained full of love, care, and concern. Two different perspectives; one would remain while the other quickly faltered in less than a week’s time. Which one are you? Are you like Christ, a reflection of love? His love? Or do you find yourself, like those people, only reflecting that love when there is something to gain?

I decree that this week’s Reflections is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. When you say you love the Lord, do not let it be just words. Life will not always be easy, as many can attest. However, it is worth living, especially when you are in an intimate relationship with God, filled with His love, and can reflect that same love to those around, until your actions draw others to the love of God. Yield to God everything. Be sold out, and allow heavenly Father to fill you and teach you how to be a reflection of His love.

On The Surface

Mark 11:8-10 And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”

Jesus had done many miracles, had delivered many, and healed many others. Not too long before His triumphal entry, He had raised His friend, Lazarus from the grave in front of many witnesses.  The people were euphoric and praising His name, proclaiming Jesus as Master, the Son of God, and the greatest Rabbi. It was easy for them, having not sacrificed anything but receiving all that Jesus was giving, to appear to be the reflection of love. It was not the love of God in their heart reflected. Instead, it was gratitude for what He had done for them and the promises of what He would do. Though they did not understand the price that needed to be paid or how the promises of God would be fulfilled.

On the surface, many of us appear to love God. We are serving Him, praising His name, saying all the right words, and appear to be die-hard believers. We seem to be a reflection of love—God’s love. Yet, God is saying, it is only surface dedication, a fleeting form of adoration. The reflection that most are seeing is His grace and mercy shining on us, and not His love coming from within us.

When adversities, afflictions, and what appears as contradictions to our faith occur, we turn away from God. We stop worshipping, praying, and start accusing God instead of praising Him. We get angry with God and question where He is in our times of need; losing faith as quickly as a punctured balloon.

We have served God when it is easy. We have a surface relationship with no substance. We serve for what we can get and as long as everything is going well, we have no problem praising God and having a form of godliness, but our hearts are far from God, as we have not fully yielded or surrendered to Him and His ways. It is like a house made to look pretty for sale but when purchased, a deeper inspection uncovers wood rot and a weak foundation. One storm will take it out.

Are you reflecting the true, sincere, love of God from within? Or are you just conveniently mirroring His grace and mercy; serving Him with lip service until something goes wrong or does not go your way? Are your praise and worship sincere? When adversities come, where will you stand?

What Christ Knew

Matthew 26:24-26 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”

Luke 23:21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!”

Christ already knew why He came. He understood the price He was going to pay. He even knew that those same people, praising and singing Hosanna, would be the same people who less than a week later would yell, Crucify Him! Crucify Him! Yet, Jesus held none of this against them, just as He holds nothing against us but unconditional love.

However, the people did not truly reflect His love. What they held in their heart was not from a committed heart but only for what Jesus could do for them. It was a selfish relationship with no substance. Yet, Jesus was the reflection of love. He is love. God is love. Christ reflected the love of God for His creation, in that He did not open His mouth once against those who yelled to crucify Him. Though He could have called on a legion of angels, spoke one word, and things would have been different, He knew and understood why He came. He came for us. To save and deliver us. To be the final sacrifice. To shed His blood that through Him we might be saved.

What About You?

Beloved, where does your heart lie? Are you sincerely reflecting the love of God? Or, are you just projecting the love and mercy God is covering you with? Do you believe in your heart, that no matter comes your way—what trials and tests you face—you will still believe in God? That, your faith will still stand even if your prayers are not answered when you want them to be?

When people look at you, do they see the reflection of God’s love? Do they see love? Or do they see something totally different? I desire to be the reflection of love. A reflection of who my Father is. A person full of compassion, love, understanding, strength, and mercy. I desire for my life to be a walking Epistle of who God is to me. Whether things are going well or not. Whether I am praising God because things are well or praising Him in spite of the situation not being so great at the time. I want to be solid in my faith. For the reflection of love being seen to come from within, and not just a surface thing that I can turn on or off. I desire for others to see the love of God in me and desire to know how they, too, can have that same kind of love. I owe it to God, and so much more.

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. Be a reflection of the love of God. Allow the love of God be ensconced in your heart so deep that is reflected in all that you do and say. Let it be a light that draws others to love and saving grace of God. Don’t just praise God in the good times or for what He can do for you. Praise Him always and in spite of what may come your way. God is greater than anything you may face today or tomorrow. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Responsibility and Accountability"

Reflections4Life™ January 28, 2018

“Responsibility and Accountability”

“Some Pharisees overheard him and said, “Does that mean you’re calling us blind?” Jesus said, “If you were really blind, you would be blameless, but since you claim to see everything so well, you’re accountable for every fault and failure.” John 9:40-41 (MSG)

Scripture Contemplation: Leviticus 24:13-16; Proverbs 22:17-21; Ezra 10; Hebrews 10; Galatians 6; 1 Timothy 5…

We can point our fingers at everyone else for our unhappiness, lack of success, not having everything we desire in our lives, and for things just not going the way we want. We all have a choice in life: to continue with what we know or have been raised and taught, or to find a different path, a better path, that will lead us into the lives we desire. It is time to take responsibility for our lives and accountability for the choices we make, and the lives we influence. It is time to walk in our destiny.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Spend quality time in the presence of God this week. There is so much that He wants to reveal to our heart and soul. When we are in the presence of God, we not only learn who God is, His desires for our lives, we also learn who we are and what we need to live our best life. God teaches how to take responsibility for whom we are and be accountable to not only ourselves but also for how our choices affect others.

I do not understand the reasons for some things happening or existing. There are actions taking place; decisions that people make which affect other people's lives in unbelievable ways—and yet, no one wants to take responsibility or be accountable for themselves or the lives of people they have influence over. I do not get it in my human mind. Not on the level of my flesh. However, my spirit gets it. That part of me that is connected to my Creator. The ONE who knows all sees all is all-powerful. That part of me gets it. I may not understand why something is allowed but God's ways are so far beyond us. His reasons are above what many can comprehend.

When you think you have it all figured out, God reveals something else, and you are like really, God? What is this all about? Then the Father goes and starts asking you some questions. When God begins to ask you the questions, it is important that we are listening because He is imparting answers and truth to our heart and soul that will give light to what is going on around us, and understanding to our hearts and minds concerning many things. Whatever we receive, we are responsible for that knowledge and wisdom gained and become accountable for how we use it, and how we treat and teach others around us, and how we are representing the Kingdom of Heaven and our Heavenly Father.

God posed some poignant questions to Simon Peter. He gave to Peter a responsibility to carry out, while making him accountable for those God was sending him to, fully knowing that Peter would deny Him three times. Yet, even in Christ questioning of Peter, He was redeeming him from his future denial.

John 21:15-18 “So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” 16 He *said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

Beloveds, God knows us. He knows all about us. He knows our past, our present, and our future. He knows our thoughts before we think them. He knows what we are going to do before we even think to do it. Still, He calls us. He loves us. He has forgiven us. In addition, He chooses to use us to show His love and glory to others. However, we must learn to take responsibility for our actions or inactions, and be accountable for the decisions we make—not placing the blame on others. This action allows God to not only bless us, but use us in such a capacity that brings healing, deliverance, and understanding and strength to others.

God knew we were going to mess up royally. What, you don’t think God knew you were going to reject Him a few times? You don’t think God knew you were going to make some bad decisions and take a bit longer to get to a place of understanding. God knows ALL of this, and still chooses you and calls you by name.

God even knows how the enemy is going to come after us. The enemy has to get permission from God to even mess with us! God knows what the enemy does not know and what we should know from spending intimate time with the Father is that we have already won! This is a test that we can win if we do not give up or in, to the enemy. Jesus Himself is praying for our strength, knowing how heavy it will get. Yet, God is allowing it to strengthen us and get us into a position for His glory to manifest in our lives. God is confident in our ability to overcome and to take what we have learned and gained and strengthen others. Tests teach us responsibility and accountability.

Luke 21:31-32 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has [a]demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Jesus chose Simon Peter that very first day while he was fishing, knowing that he would deny Him three times. He chose Simon Peter, knowing he was a hot-head and had a foul mouth and would get into arguments with Saul and the other Apostles. Jesus knew all of this, but yet, He still chose Peter, loved Peter, made Simon Peter part of His three confidants who He took up to the Mount of Transfiguration. Nevertheless, Jesus also knew that Peter would repent; that, Simon Peter, because of his past and experience; because of his closeness to Him, he would take care of His lambs and His sheep. That, even unto death, Simon Peter would never deny Christ again, but on him, God would build His church—a sure and steady foundation.

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. Beloveds, it is not how we start out but how we finish. It is not who we were but who God is calling us to be. When we believe God and take responsibility for ourselves, hold ourselves accountable for our actions and not place the blame on anyone else, we become the instrument that God will use and trust for His glory. Responsibility and accountability make us a vessel to show the love and redemptive power of our Lord and Savior. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Because God Said So!"

Reflections4Life™ January 14, 2018

“Because God Said So”

“For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.” Romans 4:13

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 15; 37; Proverbs 28:20; Mark 2; 4; 5; Romans 4; Hebrews 11

©Ruthe McDonald

Throughout my life’s journey and my walk of faith, I find myself, when being questioned numerous times, about not so much what I believe but why I believe; my answer has come to four small yet powerful and succinct words: Because God Said So. That is it concisely. I believe simply because God says so. It has been a journey to get to that point in my faith, but it accurately sums up the contents of my heart when it comes to my faith and trust in God and His word.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Make this the year that you get alone with God often. Do not neglect your relationship with the Heavenly Father, or take for granted His mercies and grace. There may be things that you do not understand. Decide in your heart, and mind to trust God anyway. Give God your time and your trust and watch what develops in your life.

I have heard many things throughout my walk with God. This journey that I am on, has brought me to many understandings. It has enlightened me to not only what others may feel or think of God and me, but also what I truly think of God and myself. Yet, what I know for certain in my heart and have learned is that we all must come to decision in our lives to either believe God, taking Him at His word, or walk with mistrust, doubt and anxiety. You will either come to know that, it is not what you can see with your eyes and physically touch that says faith. It is what you come to believe in spite of not seeing or having something tangible to hold onto. It is simply taking God at His word and moving forward because God said so.

Is it easy? No. Nothing in life ever is, especially when there will always be enmity between the flesh and the spirit. Our senses, logical mind, and preconceived notions sometimes have a difficult time believing and reconciling what we cannot see touch and feel. It does not make sense and the flesh wants to reject it. Yet, we have no problem breathing and believing that oxygen or air is there, so we take a breath without thinking about it.

Complete faith in God and getting to the place in your heart that you believe just because God said so—is that place in faith that is like breathing. You just do it. It has become a natural order of things in your life. Many arrive at this place when they have learned to block out the other voices and opinions of others, and have completely yielded to God and His ways. It is not to say that they do not have moments of doubts or insecurities or even impatience; because those times will come. However, you do not stay in that place. You learn, from consistent prayer, meditation, and spending intimate time with God, how to overcome and pray through those difficult times that try, test, and may pull you in all directions. A true test of what you believe and are waiting for to manifest.

I believe because God said so. He has a proven track record with me. God has done many of things in my life that I know, had it not been for Him, it would not be. God has always kept His word; even when there were times, I doubted and even gave up. God was still there. Many situations in my life—even at this present time—I may not understand and find it difficult, and my faith being stretched as never before—yet God has shown up and has proven time and time again that He is the same God; the same God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. What He did then, He can and will do today. The promises He made will happen and all I have to do is exercise my faith and believe with my heart and not my eyes or ears.

For me, God’s word trumps everything. In order for me to stay in this state of faith and to make certain it strengthens and not weakened, then I must do the things that promote and encourage my faith. Be obedient. Write down the plans. Speak what He has spoken. Surround me with like-minded individuals who can encourage and uplift one another in this walk of faith.

1 Samuel 15:22 Samuel said, “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 Then the Lord answered me and said, “Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who reads it may run. “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.

2 Chronicles 18:13 But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what my God says, that I will speak.”

Acts 5:12 At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s portico.

This is truly a faith walk, not a cakewalk. Some days will be easier than others will. We can be certain that the enemy of God and of our soul will try his best to destroy our faith; to try and make us give up on God and turn away from all that we have come to believe and have been waiting for to manifest. Some of us will fall. Some will succumb to the enemy and stop believing. But even in that, God is still there. He will still call out to you, send His word, and give you something tangible to hold onto.

Abraham’s faith was counted unto him as righteousness. Abraham believed though he had moments of doubt. He even took ill-advised counsel from his wife and slept with her handmaid, Hagar, who gave birth to Ishmael. Sarah did not believe, and Abraham was influenced by that disbelief. Yet and still, God kept His promise to Abraham. When God told Abraham to take Isaac, the promise, and sacrifice him, Abraham obeyed. It was difficult, and Abraham could not reconcile with his flesh what God wanted and how the promise would be fulfilled, Abraham obeyed regardless. His obedience made way for the ram in the bush.

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. Though things may not look as the promise given, and circumstances have risen to give you pause and cause doubt to find a space in your heart—ask God to remove it and go forward in obedience in what God told you to do. You may not see the use or validity of what God is saying, but faith—complete faith—will cause you to do it anyhow. Knowing that God is going to show up and keep His word. He’s God; it will come to pass because He said so. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Can I Get a Testimony?"

Reflections4Life™ November 5, 2017

“Can I Get a Testimony?”

“And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death.” Revelation 12:11

Scripture Contemplation: Exodus 23; Deuteronomy 5:20; Psalm 132:12; Acts 8; 2 Corinthians 13; Hebrews 10:14-16…

©Ruthe McDonald.

When is the last time that you recall hearing a church have testimony time? Do churches still have that? I know that some churches, due to a “time constraint” no longer have in their “program” a time for testimonies. I have been hearing a lot of complaining, talking about a whole lot of other things, but I have not heard too many testifying of what God has done in their lives. Can I get a testimony?

I declare that this week’s Reflection is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for the heart, mind, and soul. I challenge you this week that whatever God has worked out for you; whatever He presses upon your heart to share—share it. Share the goodness of God this week. I dare you to testify and let someone else know how good God has been to you. Let them know of the goodness of God. Do not be ashamed of what you may have gone through, also do not be stingy with telling others of God’s grace and mercy. We overcome by the word of our testimony.

Beloved, this is what I know today: there are power and healing in our testimonies. There are far too many people waiting on a word from God and guess what? We are that word! God uses us—believers, overcomers, beneficiaries—of His love and kindness to go out and share the good news of not only the saving grace and love of Christ but also the goodness of God and His favor and what He has brought us through.

Did you not know that we do not need a title, a position, a degree, or anything to minister the word of God? No. We do not need that to reach others. We also do not need to be perfect, have it all together, or pretend to have all the answers. All we have to do is share what God has done in our lives. Let someone else know that what they are going through, God can and will see them through. You know, because of what God has done for you.

Do you know how many men, women, and children are walking around—some in your own home—feeling alone, depressed, some even at the point of despair and wanting to take their own lives because they feel alone, forgotten, weird, or ashamed of things that nine times out of ten were not even their fault. Here some of us are; acting all perfect, sanctified as if we always had it all together and cannot relate.

We need to tell the truth, destroy the enemy’s plot to rob one more life and share our testimonies. I am not telling you to bare your secrets; those things that are only between you and God. However, I know there is something that you can share with someone to lift him or her up. To encourage them; even if you think it is insignificant. What may seem insignificant to you can be the very thing that someone else needs to hear.

God did not bless us, Beloved, for us to keep our mouths closed. He did not deliver us so we can stand smug and self-righteous with an air of piety and act like our lives are perfect and have always been perfect. God did not bless us, meet our needs, take us from poverty, give us food on the table, clothes on our back, and restore our health, renew our minds, for us to act like we did it all on our own, or pretend like we have never been through hardships.

It is reminiscent of growing up in a rough neighborhood, having dreams to make it out. When you do, you never look back, even though you know you may still have family there, and others—children, teenagers—who are like you were, and could benefit from seeing that someone can and did make it out; that, their beginning did not have to define their future. That God will open up doors if that is what they truly desire.

Yet, too many do not want to remember where they came from. They want to act as if they always had it together. They want to act as if they do not know what welfare, government cheese, second-hand stores, the neighborhood bodega or corner store are. Neither do they want to acknowledge that instead of learning about depositing a check and saving money, they were only used to a check-cashing place, and having to choose which bill to pay and what had to wait.

Come on now! Tell the truth about your life experiences and put all shame behind you! God wants to deliver people through our testimony today. He wants to use us to bring hope, healing, deliverance, and strength to a hurting people, to someone who is barely holding on and wondering if there truly is a God. Our testimony just may save a life!

Listen, I have a testimony that I have burning inside of me that God has not released me to share just yet. However, I have other testimonies that I share on occasion. Such as experiencing molestation as a little girl, physical and mental abuse, being told I that my dreams for my life were too lofty. My father being murdered. I’ve been on welfare after receiving a degree, fired for standing up for my truth, on the brink of losing my home within days before God opened a door, feeling depressed because I felt like my life was not as I hoped and planned. Feeling rejected, abandoned. Feeling like a total failure, feelings of self-loathing, self-hate, severe depression, as if God was not listening to me; feelings of hopelessness, and pain so deep it took my breath. This is in not only my distant past but also some recently. Yet GOD! His grace is sufficient and it is incumbent on me to tell someone else the good news of God’s grace and favor! I cannot keep this truth to myself, especially knowing that it has the ability to bring comfort and hope to someone else.

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. God is a restorer, Beloved. God will do for you what you and no one else can ever do if you would give Him the chance to do it. Do not sit on your testimony. Someone is waiting on you, to hear what you have to say because your words and your testimony matter too. In case, you forgot: You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Every Step is Victory"

Reflections4Life™ August 27, 2017

“Every Step is Victory”

“The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the Lord, and He delights in his way [and blesses his path].” Psalm 37:23

Scripture Contemplation: 2 Samuel 22:37; Job 14:16; 31; Psalm 18; 37; John 5:6-8; James 5:16

I declare that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Know and believe that it is in every step we make up in our heart and minds to take each day that brings the vision to pass. Celebrate every step taken; every step conquered, pursuing your goals and visions one day, one-step at a time—one victory at a time.

I wish you could see my heart today and what has been stirring in my spirit, so you would have a first-hand account of my truth, but all I have is my word to share with you. I pray that the fruit of my mouth and of my actions speak for themselves. I hope the words I write are illuminated by our Creator and it brings encouragement and inspiration to you today because you recognize your own truth within them.

The heavenly Father reminded me that it is imperative that we not focus on a future result and the ultimate win of accomplished goals and visions, but to instead focus on the daily wins. The triumphs made each day. The result of what we desire, the ultimate goal being met, is comprised of the steps of the journey that it took to get there. One day at a time still holds fast and true. We are to celebrate the victory of each new day we are granted, each step that is accomplished. It is in the individual steps we take that ultimately culminate into that goal and dream that waits it appointed time.

Here is what I have also learned and been reminded of, beloved, that the first step is always the hardest. Somewhere in the middle of the journey, it will get harder still. Then when we are about to see the vision completed, it will get hard again and the enemy will do everything he can to make us give up just when we were about to meet the finish line.

Yet, here’s the thing: We must actually take that first step. That first step towards greatness, healing, peace of heart and mind and our goals and visions. Oh, that first step often looks daunting, not because we are necessarily looking at the first step, but are looking at the entire staircase. Our minds and vision are on the results and the big picture. That can be a deterrent for many of us. It can stop most before they even get started because the dreams and visions seem too big or overwhelming.

The Father says to take victory in every step; to look at the vision and goals as a series of daily steps. One step, one day, at a time. So, I determined to look at each day as not only a challenge to be met but a challenge to be won and celebrated, bringing me one day, one step, one triumph, one victory closer to the manifestation of my visions and goals. I encourage you to do the same.

I realized that the focus I had on the big picture was hindering my progress in daily tasks. It is so easy to get caught up in the vision of where we want to be and go and do, that the journey—along with its lessons—are sometimes missed, forgotten, or bypassed, which in turn only makes our goals and visions seem that much further away and sometimes impossible.

If we can look at our life’s journey as a series of steps instead of an entire staircase to conquer, then the tasks we need to accomplish will not seem as difficult or daunting. Yes, we will be met with obstacles and situations that will often make us feel as though we are stuck or going in the wrong direction. However, that is a part of life; a part of a series of lessons that we must learn in this life; lessons that will strengthen us and prepare us for the manifest blessings.

This is what I am learning and coming to understand; Conquering one step at a time is a whole lot better than trying to conquer an entire staircase of forty to eighty steps at once. That is too overwhelming and the chances of my giving up and failure are that much greater. That is not an option for me. I will take my stance and concentrate on that one, step, and I will celebrate the victory of conquering that one step as I go on to the next.

It is not impossible for God to leap frog us the entire staircase or a few steps. If He does—great! His promises are just manifested that much sooner. However, I, myself, will not seek to skip or take on any more steps than He has ordained because I am in a rush to the finish line. I will move accordingly, following the steps that God has ordained for me, and relish in every single step accomplished and victory gained because I understand that single victory is part of the whole vision coming to pass.

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. The first step is a change of mind and the words we speak to ourselves. There is so much before us; ahead of us. There is a victory in each step we take. So celebrate the milestones of your journey, for they make the vision complete. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Thank You!"

Reflections4Life™ August 6, 2017

“Thank You!”

“I will give You thanks with all my heart; I sing praises to You before the [pagan] gods.
I will bow down [in worship] toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word together with Your name. On the day I called, You answered me; and You made me bold and confident with [renewed] strength in my life.” Psalm 138:1-3

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 138; 1 Samuel 2:1; 1 Chronicles 20; Daniel 2; John 11:41; Revelation 11:17…

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow the grace of God to cover you and fill your heart. Let your heart be filled with hope and peace as you give God praise; thanking Him for life, His love, His covering, and His forgiveness. A grateful heart will open long awaited doors.

If there is one thing that I have learned growing up, was that a posture of gratitude got you further along than an attitude of sniping, griping, and self-entitlement. Sometimes, all a person desires is a simple Thank you. A sign of recognition, of gratitude, that they are appreciated; that their efforts are not only noticed but also accepted and not taken for granted.

How many times have you encountered a person, a proprietor, a sales person that felt disgruntled because of a bad day, but when someone gives them a genuine thank you, they seem to light up, and get a dose of energy? No one wants to be taken advantage of or looked over for the work they are doing. Even if it were a person’s job to serve, they still would like to hear thank you, to know that their efforts and their work are being appreciated.

A simple thank you can change so much in a person’s life. It can give them strength. It can bring encouragement; giving them that extra zip and push that they need to continue with what they are doing. There are not many in the world that desire his or her efforts to go unnoticed or not appreciated for what they do. Yet, many people are over looked, passed by, their efforts never mentioned, their work never acknowledge. Many taken advantaged of; their kindness being taken for weakness.

Can we be honest today? Whether it is someone we know or ourselves, we all know someone that everyone calls on to for help or assistance knowing that there is a ninety-nine percent chance that he or she will say yes. There is that person we all know that people consider an easy mark for their kindness. However, does that give us the license to abuse their kindness? To take advantage of their gifts of help? No. It does not. Though they may have a kind heart and possess the gift of help, does not mean we a have a right to take advantage of them, nor does it mean they do not deserve to be recognized for their kindness and all the work that they do. Even if it is one’s job to serve—they are still worthy of hearing, thank you, and being shown gratitude.

What about God? How many times has our heavenly delivered us, provided for us, got us out of sticky situations, and in the moment we may say thank you, but then we start to take advantage of His grace and mercies? How many do you know that willfully sin, because they believe that all they have to do is repent the next day? I have overheard some people blatantly and proudly say that they are going to intentionally sin and ask for forgiveness tomorrow. Wow! My question is: What happens if you die in your sins? What if you do not get the opportunity to repent? What if, although God has forgiven you, there are unseen consequences for your actions? Here is what God says about this:

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap.

Have you given a simple thank You, Lord, for being woken up today? Or for having a meal, clothes to put on, a roof over our heads? How about saying grace. When was the last time you said grace before commencing to eat your food? Or to have your family around you? Or for the job, you have, even though it may not be the one you desire right now? How about giving God thanks, being grateful for having provision until you get the position that you desire? Did you thank God today for your family? Friends? Being in your right mind? Health?

I can go on. The truth is, we get comfortable in our lives. We get comfortable and take for granted the things we have and that are readily available to us. When we get used to the blessings we have and the accomplishments we have made, some of us forget about where we have come from, or about how hard it is for others at this time; especially if we are not surrounded or see people that are struggling and in need. The truth is for some, that they do not want to be reminded of where they came from. They do not want to see where others are struggling and have nothing because they have in their mind and heart that they got where they are by themselves and that others can do the same if they want to.

Listen, Beloved, we all have our own paths to walk, our own relationship with God to cultivate and grow. No one truly knows what is in our hearts but God. Yet, we do owe it to ourselves to remember that but for the grace of God, our lives could be far worse than it is. We are fortunate to be where we are in life, and a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving goes a long way. Not only are we honoring God for His blessings, be we open the eyes and ears of our heart to those around us. A heart of gratitude, a spirit of Thanksgiving allows us to see the need in others and propels us to become who we truly profess to be as children of God. A simple thank you goes a long way in people’s lives and in the heart of God. Our attitude determines our altitude and a simple thank you can change not only the lives of others but ours as well.

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. I take this time to thank you for your fellowship, friendship, and spirit of community. Thank you for those who have brought my new book, What Love Teaches Me. I pray that it is a blessing to your soul. It is with gratitude and a heart full of love that I thank God for His kindness, grace, and mercy. I know that without Him, I would never have made it through the storms of life. He is my anchor. Guess what? He is your anchor, also. Trust Him where you cannot trace Him. And thank Him for what He has already done and is about to do. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017 Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"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.