"God's Plan"

Reflections4Life™ July 29, 2018

“God’s Plan”

“I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.” Psalm 119:93

Scripture Contemplation: Jeremiah 29; 1 Chronicles 28; Proverbs 15:22; Isaiah 25:1; Daniel 11

©Ruthe McDonald.

E

veryday is filled with brand new opportunities to live the life that God has ordained for us. It is a chance to be one day closer to the manifest blessings and prayers that God has promised. However, we must know and believe in our hearts that God certainly do have plans for our lives. In addition, those plans may look nothing like what we think or believe. It is in the small things that we often see grandness God’s plans.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Never underestimate the plan of God for your life. Take this week to meditate on the word and promises of God that He has spoken concerning your life. Let your heart and mind become expectant of the great things that God has in store for you. Follow God’s plans; His are a sure victory.

First and Foremost

2 Samuel 7:18-19 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord God. You have spoken also of your servant's house for a great while to come, and this is instruction for mankind, O Lord God!

Thank You, Lord! Thank You, Father! I have to give God the praise today because this is the eleventh year of God’s blessings and grace for Reflections4Life™ Ministry and Blog! God is so amazing and His favor is incomparable. When God has a plan for your life, He will make certain, as we yield our heart, mind, and soul to Him, that we know, see, and understand those plans. Sometimes I think God does not tell us all of His plans because He knows it may overwhelm some, scare others, and cause a few to develop a spirit of fear.

Reflections were God’s plan. Not mine. I was in New York babysitting my nephews while my newest nephew was being born. While there, I opened my laptop and started writing about the goodness of God and what I experienced on that trip. It was a short post to my then writing community about my journey and the lessons that God had shown me during that time, and I hoped that the words I had written, encouraged and inspired someone else. The next thing I knew, God placed it in my heart to write the following post the next Sunday.

So…now here I am, 3 Inspirational Books, countless Essays, 571 Sunday Devotionals and 2500+ Blog posts, (and few speaking engagements) later, and to God be all the glory for His plans! I thank Him, that every Sunday Devotional. Not one is the same—Five-hundred-seventy-one original posts, inspired by Holy Spirit. God is great! And I thank God for you! For being apart of this fellowship and ministry. I pray God’s continued blessings on your life.

God’s Plan

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

We will not always see what God has in store for us but we can be confident in whatever God has ordained. It all good with God. While we are waiting for those manifestations, do not give up when those rough patches hit. Do not walk away from God and His blessings on your life because you feel you have been waiting too long and God is not answering.

Each day you wake up is proof that God is not only answering but also has a plan for you. He has heard your prayers and is aligning things in the order in which they should be. He is also removing people, places, and things that would be a hindrance to His ordained will coming forth in your life.

Trust God, Beloveds! Trust His process and trust what He has ordained for you before you even entered the realm of time. Sometimes we think we should be going right and something will take place, adjusting our coordinates. That is God, placing us in position to receive His blessings and His anointed plan for our lives.

God is not a man that He should lie, nor the son of man that He should repent. Whatever God has ordained and spoken for your life will come to pass. (Numbers 23:19) He will make certain what He has spoken will manifest in His due season.

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. It may not look like it right now but God has a purpose and plan for your life. Though things may not be happening according to your timetable and the way you thought it should be; trust God and His process, knowing that God cannot lose; especially when it comes to you. His plans are far greater than anything you could ever imagine or plan for yourself. This will become evident with the more you exercise your faith and trust God to be whom He is without giving up. God has you, Beloved. Believe that! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Straight From The Heart"

Reflections4Life™ July 22, 2018

“Straight From the Heart”

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 6; Psalm 4; 10:17; 34; Lamentations; Hosea 10; John 7

©Ruthe McDonald

I

N this world, we are unfortunately surrounded with all manner of evil. The closer it gets for the return of Christ, the colder and more evil the world waxes. It fights against all that is holy; scoffs at what is righteous, and detests what is godly. Fortunately, God is with His children. He is amidst His creation and He is consistently knocking on the doors of our hearts, waiting for an invitation to come in and to take care of every situation; delivering us from the mess we have created, as well as the mess of those who say they love us. Make no mistake. God knows our hearts and in order for us to receive, we must ask, and we must ask straight from our hearts.

I decree that this week’s Reflections are a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. However, there may be many things happening in your life, and you may not know which way to turn or if the pain of your heart will ever dissipate; come to God with all of it. There is nothing we face that God cannot handle. He is the solution to our problems, the answers to the questions, the healing for the hurts that burden our souls. Trust the Father today, and come straight from the heart. God can handle it. No matter what it is.

Unburden Your Heart to the Lord

Joshua 23:14 “And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed.

If there is one thing that I am certain of, is that God hears our prayers before we utter one word. He knows our hearts. If no one else knows who we are, how bad we hurt, the Father certainly does. He knows all about the heartaches, the pains, the disappointments, and even the confusion.

The Father desires for us to unburden our hearts to Him; to let go of everything that we have been holding onto and more than likely hiding from others. There are many who are walking around with heartache and hurt that has been like a heavy boulder upon their chests and shoulders. They have carried it for so long, that it cripples their lives and emotions.

Mentally, we are distracted, spiritually wounded, and physically pained. It is too much. Every aspect of our lives is affected. Far too many have been praying for death, losing all hope and faith. How can we possibly receive what God has for us if we are preoccupied with the things of our heart, and a mind that hurts, causing doubt about the power of God, and who we are in Him?

Whatever God has spoken, He will make certain it happens. In the meantime, we must unburden our hearts to the Lord, and receive what He has for us. Is it easy? Nope. Especially with the enemy after us. We must remind ourselves that all that He has spoken will happen.

A Changed Heart and Renewed Mind

Ezekiel 36:26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Ephesians 4:23-24 …be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Allow God to renew and protect your heart, Beloveds. Let His Spirit renew your mind. Do not allow the trials of this earth; this world, consume you to the point that you walk away from the very promises of God. The very thing you have been praying and waiting for. Keep your heart open to God, and put on your armor, daily. However, the battle belongs to God, it is a fierce one, and we must be prepared.

Beloved, I can only come from my heart and be candid with you. I know the hurt, the pain, and the heartaches. I understand the hopelessness and helplessness that can overwhelm you until it feels as though it is choking you; slowly wrapping its fingers around your heart; trying to crush it, along with every dream, and all hope you have ever had for your life. The enemy tries to crush your faith and love of God, along with all God has blessed you with and promised you. He will try everything to strip you bare and make you walk away before its manifestations. Especially when you are right at the door, that God is opening.

I know! I am there right now! I have to be honest with you, so you understand that you are not alone. My heart feels like it is in a billion little pieces; as if it will never come together again. My mind drifts on a daily basis, wondering if there was something, anything I could have done differently. Is there something wrong with who I am? What about the seeds I have sown? Did I not sow in love? Have I asked amiss? Was my heart not in the right place? All of these questions and so many more go through my heart and mind on a daily basis through this difficult time in my life, as the storm rages.

But for God! God has made a promise to me. I do not know Him to be a liar. Sometimes the enemy is coming after you hot and heavy from all sides, launching an attack that seems impossible to overcome or get through. He comes after you relentlessly, not letting up, as he whispers lies into your ears every chance he gets. He parades in front of you your worse fears, brings to mind your worst pains and every mistake. He is like an army all by himself, that has scaled a full-on attack and seems to have more firepower and ammunition, and inside information on your weaknesses and Achilles heel. He throws your past against you and everyone and thing that has hurt you. He reminds you of everyone who has abandoned, rejected, and hurt your heart, and then seeks to amplify those feelings until you can hardly think, less much speak the word and promises of God in your life.

No matter what you are facing, you can make it through if you do not give up and you trust God to see you through. Do not allow your heart to be hardened and your mind closed to the truth of God; even if you do not understand it or can see God moving. Know that He is, and understanding will come if you faint not.

It is the Love

Song of Solomon 8:6 Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord.

It is the love, Beloveds. It the unconditional, powerful, transforming, healing, life-changing love of God that makes all of the difference. We just have to believe and have faith.

There is nothing more powerful, whole, more healing than the love of God. God is love, and His love for you is stronger than anyone and anything—including your parents, spouse, sibling, best friend. At the end of the day, and every battle—it was and will always be the love of God that destroys the enemy while simultaneously renewing and uncovering what He has already placed in your heart. He will bring to pass every promise He has given you; every vision He has shown you; every promise He has made. You must stand your ground against the devil; standing in the uncompromising unconditional love of the Father.

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. Beloved, nothing comes close to the healing and transforming love that God hoards for His creation. When we dare to believe God and stand on His word, coming straight from our heart; we gain a strength we never realized we have. We fill our minds and hearts with the word and promises of God, reminding ourselves that with God on our side, how can we not win the race that God has secured with the precious gift of Jesus Christ. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Take a Second Look"

Reflections4Life™ July 15, 2018

“Take a Second Look”

“O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O Lord, You know it all.” Psalm 139:1-4 (NASB)

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 139, Jeremiah 29, Zechariah 9, 2 Corinthians 10…

©Ruthe McDonald.

Have

 you ever looked over your life, wondering why some things continue to happen over and over again? Why the constant struggles? Why the same mistakes? Why, when you have repented, confessed, and asked for forgiveness and moved on?

It sometimes feels as though you are in a constant cycle. Everything starts to get better than at some point, the past is repeating itself, and you seem to be right back where you started or worse. Perhaps it’s time to take a second look. Second looks, at your heart, at the way you think, how you speak to yourself, what you believe, and who is in your circle.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow the love of God to fill your heart and open your eyes to that which you may have hidden within your soul, allowing it to cleanse you and free you from all negative strongholds and evil imaginations.

Our Inner Dialogue

Did you ever stop to think about your inner dialogue? What is it that you are saying to yourself on a daily basis? Many are not conscious of the fact that they are continually speaking negative things to themselves. Some have accepted the lies and whispers of the enemy, and those he uses, to become their truth.

It can be subtle. A thought here, a whisper there, but the negative thoughts never denounced. If we do not pull them down or reject them, those thoughts are cataloged; stored somewhere in our mental, where it takes root and begins to sprout bad fruit. The bad fruit is the way we now see ourselves, the things we get into, the habits we cannot let go of, the opinions we have of ourselves, and the garbage and abuse we accept from others.

Many of us are not even aware of this. We do not realize this about ourselves, especially when things may be going well for a while. It isn’t until we find ourselves in a familiar crisis that we question what is going on.

Our mindset, inner dialogue, and old baggage have much to do with our current situation and experiences. There are things in our lives that we must confront. There are also things that we may not even be aware of that are lingering in hearts and are a hindrance to the move of God in our lives.

We must take a second look and search ourselves; searching our hearts and be completely honest with ourselves. We must be willing to see and hear the truth and be ready to get rid of those negative strongholds.

The Circle We Keep

We cannot allow the opinions and thoughts of others to rule us. We cannot allow the hurt and pain inflicted by others to dictate our lives. We cannot allow resentment and un-forgiveness to reside within our hearts. These things obstruct our path. They muddy the road of righteousness. They can prevent us from breaking through those painful reoccurring.

Not everyone that may be in our circle is there for us. They may have a whole other agenda (Judas). The enemy will use whomever he can to infiltrate our hearts and minds; to discredit the will and work of God in our lives. Their words and whispers can become a stronghold, as they create dissension and disrupt the flow of our lives. Their grip and influence on our lives must be broken; even if that means allowing God to remove them. 
 

It is Time to Break Free

One of the saddest things I have witnessed and to learn is the apparent comfortability many have with the cycle. They have become attached and acclimated to the dysfunction, hurt, pain, and abuse. Worse, they believe the lies of the enemy over the truth of God.

Beloveds, the world goes by what is seen. The way of the world is far removed from God. If we are going to overcome, declare, and stand in our victory, then we must fight the way God says to fight. There is no self-medicating here. There is no easy way out of a messy mind or destructive pattern. It is a process.

When we come to God and believe in Him, He has worked all things out concerning us. He has forgiven and given us a clean slate. But deliverance is a process. A process by which we are becoming who God says we are, as we let go of the lies and the pain of what others have said concerning us, and our own mistakes. We must forgive ourselves and receive what God has.

I have learned throughout my life journey with the Lord that, what we do not willingly confront will continue to show up in different ways in our lives. It will continue to be a thorn, a stronghold, until we face the truth, confront it, deal with it, and allow God truly to deliver us.

It is God’s Way or No Way

In order to break this cycle, to rid the mind and heart of the residue of afflictions by which God has already forgiven us of, things must be done God’s way. We must confess daily, what the Father says, and change the dialogue about yourself. We must search your hearts daily becoming mindful of our thoughts and attitude; willing to let go of some people, places, and things.

One of the hardest things, however, will be confronting our truth. It will be like looking into a mirror, bare before the Lord, and seeing every weakness, flaw, imperfection, and giving it all to God, and then seeing yourself through His eyes.

This is a fight that must be fought in the strength and wisdom of God. We must use spiritual weapons, and know that whatever God has spoken concerning us, it is the truth.

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 too hard or difficult for God our Father. God will do just what He said. We must be willing to do what He has called of us. There are no shortcuts to deliverance. A process requires us to see the truth, accept the truth, and become the truth. In God is, healing, deliverance, freedom, peace, and love everlasting. It’s time to break the cycle, pull down those negative strongholds, and let the mind of Christ dwell in you richly! You are blessed. Now go…and be a Blessing!

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Satan's Lies, God's Truth"

Reflections4Life™ July 8, 2018

“Satan’s Lies, God’s Truth”

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

Scripture Contemplations: 1 Chronicles 21; Job 1; 1 Peter 5; Isaiah 48; Romans 3; 9; 15…

©Ruthe McDonald.

There

 is so many duplicitous actions taking place in our world today, making it hard-pressed to trust anything that anyone says. When surrounded by a spirit of lies and deception, it makes it difficult to see, hear, and receive the truth. We raise a guard around our hearts and a filter over our ears to protect ourselves from deception and hurt. While at the same time running the risk of losing the blessings that God has placed in our lives, and ordained for us to have, because we have been manipulated by Satan’s lies, forgetting God’s truth that He spoke to us at the beginning of our journey, because nothing looks or appears, as it should. Yet, God admonishes each day to pull down the strongholds and to speak what He has spoken to our hearts and stand on His truth. Because just as those in the past—this is only a test—and if we faint not, not only will we reap the rewards of victory, all truth will be revealed as all lies are exposed.

I decree that this week’s Reflections are a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. All that God has ordained for your life is coming to pass if you do not give up before seeing the victory. Though what you are facing today and have been facing for a while is taxing and having a profound effect upon your heart mind and soul, I implore you to continue to trust God and hold on to His promises. Meditate on the word and promises of God. Take some extra time this week and not only visualize what God has spoken to your heart, but also write down the plans that you desire God to bring to pass. See and speak on your future—where victory has manifested—and leave the present to God.

Satan’s Lies

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

We may not understand it or even believe it, but God really is in control and Satan can do nothing without God’s permission. If God is giving Satan permission to mess with you, then you can believe that what God has for you is far greater than you could ever imagine. Whatever God is, allowing the enemy to do and bring into your life is designed to make you stronger, to open your eyes and heart, and prepare for the greatness that lies ahead of you.

There is no truth in Satan. He seeks to devour us. He comes to kill, steal, and destroy. To kill hopes dreams, faith, and lives. To steal our destinies, the promises of God in our lives, to steal our mind, our mental health. To rob us of relationships, marriages, and friendships. To destroy our joy and happiness.

The enemy does not care what he has to do to accomplish his goal, or who he will use. He will use those closest to you—husbands, wives, children, friends, family, etcetera. It does not concern him, as long as his intentions are fulfilled, and you have relinquished, or given up on the blessings and promises of God.

Make no mistake: the enemy is a master liar and manipulator and knows how to make something appear real just so he can destroy you; king all of your faith and the love that you have in your heart.

This is why the Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6 that we wrestle not against flesh and blood and admonishes us to place on the armor of God each and every day. We have to remember who we are and whose we are, as well as what God says concerning our walk and blessings in Him. Also the fact that the enemy has no power except for the power we give him; especially by what we are thinking and allowing our minds to dwell on, on a consistent basis without pulling down the strongholds and pleading the blood of Jesus over our mind and heart.

Satan is a liar. Even when it sounds plausible and like the truth, he twists things to fit his agenda—to kill steal and destroy God’s creation. This is personal for him and it should be personal for us, too.

God’s Truth

Numbers 23:19 God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

We may not understand the ways and thoughts of God but we can be assured that His word is the truth and what He has ordained for our lives will certainly come to pass if we continue to trust Him, believe Him, and walk obediently.

Beloveds; God cannot lie. His truth stands out from all darkness. Whatever He has ordained for our lives, whatever He has shown us and spoken to our hearts—we can believe that. He has a proven track record. However, many of us may have our doubts and we cannot understand how or why God would allow certain things to happen in our lives. Even when we cannot fathom why God would continue to allow lies to prevail when He knows and understands our hearts and what we hold dear—God will always speak the truth and make it known in His timing.

We all should be familiar with the story of Job. If not, please take some time and study it, and if possible read some commentaries on this pivotal chapter on withstanding the wickedness and taunts of the enemy. God had a plan for Job. To bless him twice as much. But there was some growth and strength that Job needed in his life. Some pride and pomposity that needed to be removed. God used the enemy, who came accusing God and his creation. God gave Satan permission to do what he will but he could not take Job’s life. Though Job went through a myriad of emotions, one thing remained true: Job’s worship and belief that God would see him through ushered him into a season of double blessings. Right into the place, that God had for Job all along.

Finally

This, Beloved, is what God desires for us, to manifest His best in our lives. Listen; God cannot and will not lie to us. No matter what something looks like, or how many times someone says, something to infer that God does not care about us. God is not a liar. We may not have an understanding to all the whys but we still have the word and promises of God before us, and all we have to do is stand our ground against the enemy and his lies and believe the truth that God has spoken to our heart and soul.

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, Beloved, I implore you to not give up or to give in and fall for Satan’s lies. Trust God. Trust God’s truth. Allow Him to manifest in your life, the promises you have been waiting for. You are so close. Closer than you think. How do I know? Because the closer you get to the promises and manifestations of God’s promises and blessings, the harder the enemy comes against you. The more elaborate and convincing Satan’s lies become. Just remember these two things: 1. God cannot lie. 2. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Crossing The Finish Line"

Reflections4Life™ July 1, 2018

“Crossing the Finish Line”

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Scripture Contemplations: Ecclesiastes 9:11; Jeremiah 12:5; Nahum 2; 1 Corinthians 9:25; Hebrews 12:1

©Ruthe McDonald.

W

E are running a faith marathon. From the moment we enter this earth, the stopwatch begins. Throughout our life’s journey, we are running countless races within this one great marathon. Some races we win, some we lose, but at every race, the goal is to cross the finish line. The victory is not coming in first; it is in accomplishing the goal you have set for yourself; finishing the race, crossing the finish line.

I decree that this week’s Reflections is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Spend some quality time in the presence of the Lord this week. Allow Him to fill your spirit and prepare you for this marathon of faith and every race you will run. There is something great that God wants to bless you with this week but it will require you setting some things aside and having an open heart and mind to the move and hand of God.

Do Not Grow Weary

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

In our life’s journey and the countless races will run, tiredness and fatigue will come. Sometimes we will not have the energy to run at full speed but we will have to jog or walk, and that is okay as long as we do not give up and stop moving toward the goal of the finish line.

Every race, there are valuable life lessons to be learned. Some races we will win and some we will lose but in all races, we will learn something; gain knowledge and wisdom that we will take with us in the next race and that will equip us for this marathon of faith that we are in.

Do not grow weary of doing what is right and working towards your goals. Keep in mind the finish line, all that you have to gain, where you want to go. We can be distracted with the trials of life and the hurdles placed before us. It is a guarantee that the enemy will do everything he can to trip us, make us give up, and to turn away from what God has placed in our heart. That is the enemy’s plan and purpose—to make us give up when we are so close to reaching the goals we have set before us and receiving the promises that God has ordained for our lives. But his ultimate goal is to knock you out the marathon of faith. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy who we are and all that God has ordained for us; his ultimate goal is to separate us from God for all eternity.

Though things may seem to be taking longer than you believe they should and almost every obstacle presents itself during your race, do not grow weary—to the point of exhaustion, where you want to give up and turn away from the path of righteousness. Let God be your strength and do not give up. Encourage yourself in the word of God. Surround yourself with likeminded individuals who will encourage you and inspire you, and even run alongside you in this marathon of faith.

It is Not about Speed or Strength

Ecclesiastes 9:11 Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.

Zechariah 4:6 Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

Many considered strong in faith have fell the hardest and the farthest. We can look at Samson to see his downfall. Many who are known to have speed and agility have been known to lose to someone who was once considered not as fast, such as the analogy of the tortoise and the hare.

The marathon we are in Beloveds is not about speed or strength. It is about endurance. Nor can it be won through might or our own power, but by the Spirit of God that works through us, giving us what we need to win not only the marathon, but also every race we find ourselves in along the journey of life.

We find in life that we will be up against many things that will try us as individuals, test our faith, and push many of our buttons. It is not always about how strong we are or how fast we can finish this race. It is about the lessons learned along the journey, and in each race, we run. Always something, we can take from every race that will help strengthen us for the next race we are in and that will aid us in the marathon along the way. We just have to let God lead us. Allow Him to be our Coach and to teach us and point out where we need growth, change, strength, and where we have done well.

We will only find this in our communication and relationship with our Heavenly Father. When we learn the pace of God, we gain wisdom and understanding, and we win more races, only to gain strength in our marathon. There is a lot to gain and see in the marathon of faith; a lot that God desires for us to have before getting to the finish line. Because the ultimate goal is not just crossing the finish line but also not crossing the finish line alone.

We Are Not in it Alone

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…

We are not alone in this marathon of faith, neither in every race. We have a cloud of witnesses on each side cheering us on; angels watching over us, and God poring His love and strength into us. They are there, whispering words of encouragement. Reminding us of the promises of God when we feel like giving up and wondering what this is all for. They are there to offer a cool drink of water. They are there to remind us of the call on our lives, the blessings that wait for us, the strength that resides in us, and there to cheer us on; giving us praise for not giving up but standing strong.

Of course, the enemy has his team on the sidelines trying to discourage us and make the load on our shoulders heavy and our minds filled with doubts and false images appearing real. They are there to trip us up, throwing hurdles and roadblocks, emptying our cups, so we have no water. Trying to deplete us of the nutrients we need to keep going. As well as having naysayers and negative people saying what we can’t do, reminding us of pasts and any and all mistakes we ever made.

However, God has raised up a remnant to run alongside of us. The more we continue to go forward, pushing pass pain and insecurities, all doubts and fears—we gain companions along the way. They see us, though we may not say anything—they are watching, some becoming encouraged in their own race. Before we know it, we are crossing the finish line one after the other and have gained many lives that are crossing the marathon finish line with us. For the true goal was never to cross it alone.

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. Run every race with valor and determination. Do not pay attention to the naysayers on the sidelines. Though you may lose some races, you will gain wisdom and strength and you will win in the most important race of all: the marathon of faith, bringing countless others as you cross the finish line into eternity with our Lord and Savior. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"It's Time For A Heart Check"

Reflections4Life June 24^th, 2018

“It’s Time for a Heart Check!”

“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them.” Isaiah 41:17

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 4; 15; Isaiah 41; Matthew 25:31-46

What resides in your heart? Who does your heart stand in allegiance with? If you were to stand before the judgment seat of the heavenly Father, today—based on your actions of late and your heart and thoughts at this very moment—can you say that God will say to you, “Well done my good and faithful servant”, or will you hear: “Depart from me you worker of iniquity, I know you not? We have entered a crucial time in this earth. It seems that more evil is prevailing and many are doing nothing to stop it but instead are either celebrating it, ignoring it, tolerating it, doing it, or behaving like it is the most natural thing in the world; agreeing with the evil and not standing up to fight or prevent it. It is time for a heart check before we move so far into evil that we are exactly where the enemy wants us to be, separated eternally from God.

I decree that this week’s Reflections is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Spend some quality and quiet time in the presence of the Lord this week. Set aside some time to do a heart check, and search the contents of your heart. What resides in our heart often determines our actions. We often do or not do something based upon what we believe or do not believe in our hearts.

In Need of a Spiritual Enema

Jeremiah 18:12 “But they say, ‘That is in vain! We will follow our own plans, and will every one act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.”

Daniel 11:27 “And as for the two kings, their hearts shall be bent on doing evil. They shall speak lies at the same table, but to no avail, for the end is yet to be at the time appointed.”

One of the things that I know—God is aware of all things; especially the condition of our hearts and our state of minds. We cannot hide from God our intentions. We cannot lie about what we really mean or what we are really going to do, because God already knows. Many are following their own plans, their own agendas, while others refuse to admit when they are wrong or have made a mistake. The hardening of their hearts has caused them to be deaf, dumb, and blind, making their hearts not only full of greed but also evil.

We stand in need of a spiritual enema. Too many are desensitized to the atrocities that take place every day. Hearts have grown so cold, that they stand idly by and allow evil to prevail.

When we do not commit our ways, our thoughts and our heart to God, we run the risk of falling prey to our own ego, selfish thoughts, and ways. Everything becomes me, me, me. All about what self-wants, even at the destruction of innocence. Power is a drug. The more you have of it without God in the lead soon corrupts the person and all who are around them.

It’s time to do a heart check and repent before it is too late and we are utterly destroyed by our own machinations. Those who know God and are true believers must stand up, repent, and do as God has commissioned us to do; even if it is not the most popular thing to do at the time.

2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

We are our Brothers and Sisters Keeper

Genesis 4:9-10 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” ¹And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground.

Matthew 25:37-40 “…‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”

I cannot look at the state of affairs in the world we are living in and accept that this is God’s way when I know it goes against everything that God stands for and what those who are true believers stand for. Far too many of us have lost our way. Our hearts have become too darken to see the light or hear and receive the word and chastisement of our Living God.

Some have become their own gods in their mind; doing what appeases them while systematically trying to destroy anyone that may oppose them, and call it doing what is best for the whole. Though it may seem that these people are prospering and getting away with such atrocities, God says otherwise. Be certain whatever we sow, and whatever we have done to others will be done to us, to our children, and even our children’s children.

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

Finally

Beloved, what is the state of your heart? Have you stood up for righteousness sake? Or, are you one to complain but never step up to the plate to make a difference? Is your heart malleable, supple in the hands of God Almighty? Or has it hardened so much that even the atrocities done to innocent children do not ignite anger on their behalf?

It is time to take a stand against evil, a stand against anything that opposes the will and plans of God. We are ambassadors of Christ. We are the reflection of God in this earth as believers. We cannot turn a deaf ear or blind eye to what is right in God’s sight because we fear being in the minority. We both stand up for righteousness and do what is right or we fall prey to the wiles of the enemy, destroy ourselves, and possibly curse our legacy for generations to come.

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. Let God have reign in your heart. Check the status of your heart daily, allowing the love of God to penetrate it. Do not be afraid to stand for what is right in a place full of people going left or in an opposite direction. God is calling us to a higher place and it requires a heart that sold out to Him. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"All You Need Is In Father, God"

Reflections4Life™ June 17, 2018

“All You Need is in Father, God”

“Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, and extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him— his name is the Lord. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” Psalm 68:4-5

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 2:24; Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Joshua 1:9; Psalm 103:13; Psalm 127:7-5; Ephesians 5:25-37; 6:1-4;11-18…

©Ruthe McDonald.

H

 appy Father’s Day! I extend greetings and exaltations to each and every father and father to be. Not just for today, but for each and every day that you are granted to be alive in this earth and having an impact in a child’s life. Whether you are a biological father, surrogate father, mentor, bonus-father (I don’t like to use the word step!) If you are a father figure in any kind of way, having an impact on so many impressionable lives and in the lives of young men who may be young adults but still need and yearn for a father in their lives. I salute you with the love of God, and pray that the blessings of God fill you, and surround you, as you yield yourself to the grace and will of God. Whatever you think you may lack, know that it all can be found in Father God!

I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Yield all that you are and who you desire to be to God today. There is nothing you need or desire that cannot be found in the Father God. Even as mature adults, we never stop needing the love and guidance of our parents. Their wisdom is invaluable. Nothing matches Father God's wisdom. Spend quality time in the presence of God this week. You may have known Him as your Deliverer, Healer, Friend, and Savior. Now let Him be the Father you need.

Long Lasting Seeds

Proverbs 26:6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

A parent that loves that child will chastise them and lovingly discipline them when they are in error. The Word of God admonishes us to train up a child in the way they should go. Parents are responsible for instructing their children and raising them to be responsible and accountable for their actions. More times than not, a child will do what they see more than what they are told. Most children are a reflection of who we are as parents and what we believe. We cannot expect our children to do the right thing if they have never seen what the right thing is or have been taught.

It is not love or wisdom to give our children everything that they want. Nor is it wise to allow them to raise themselves or believe that there are no consequences for their actions. They will not only correct them when they are wrong but also praise them when they are correct. A Parent will lead by example. When they fail or fall, will not hide it from their children but instead, make it a life lesson, teaching their children responsibility, accountability, and humility.

What a parent teaches their child in their formative years, will never depart from them. It is a seed planted, growing throughout the years, a small acorn, growing into a strong and indestructible oak tree. Strong and mighty in all seasons.

My husband and I were talking about this earlier last week about the lessons and foundations we received as children. The foundations we received shaped who we are. However, our lives may have taken different paths, and though he may have studied and believed in another way of life for a while, at his core was always what he was taught as a child. It is what remains at his core and reminds him of who he is and what he truly believes in relation to his relationship with our Heavenly Father.

The teaching of our children is most important to our children’s self-worth and identity. There are far too many God-fearing believers missing from children’s lives.

All We Need is in Father God

Joshua 1:9  “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

There is absolutely nothing we stand in need of that cannot be found in Father God. Do you know how much God loves you? Do you know that He already knows your thoughts before you think them? Did you know that He would leave the company of 99 believers who have found themselves in Him just to search for you if you did not know Him and was lost, having trouble finding your way? You matter! You matter to God. Everything about you, God cares. All that you need and have been searching for is all in Him. God has it all. He knows where you need to be, needs to go, how to proceed—all of it! God knows all about you.

What is holding you back from going and yielding to Father God? What keeps you from trusting God? Was it a prayer you believe He did not answer? Is it current trials and tests that seem to be going on forever? Trust me, I understand. I am right there at this very moment in my life. Yet, I love God and believe that all that I need is in Him. He has the answers and the keys I need to unlock the doors. When the due season comes, I will use those keys as He instructs. He sees what I cannot see and when the time is right, He will reveal all and make the understanding known.

God admonishes us to be strong and courageous and not to be discouraged. He is with us wherever we go; even in mistakes, He will be there. There is nothing hidden from God. He knows everything! I do not know about you, but I feel comforted by that fact. For when I cannot find the words to pray; when I am at a loss and need direction, I can literally cry out to God, and my Daddy will be there, knowing what is best for me. Always! My Heavenly Father will never leave me or disappoint me; even when I feel let down by Him, somewhere down the line of time, I will be given understanding and insight, gaining wisdom that I am certain I will pass along.

Beloveds, do not mistake the chastisement and discipline of God as rejection. Do not pout like a child who does not get their way and plays on the parent’s heartstrings. God is bigger than whatever you are facing or will ever face. He is able to discipline you with love and still bless you with your heart’s desire. Not because of how good or perfect you seem to be, but by His grace and mercies, and because He has made promises to us and will not go back on His word.

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. All you need and desire is in Father God. His love is unconditional. Strength, peace, joy, healing, grace, creative ideas, purpose…all of it is in God. Allow the Father that place in your life; to fill every empty part with His love and presence. You will never regret saying yes to God. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.