"Walking Away"

Reflections4Life March 8, 2020

“Walking Away”

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us...” Hebrews 12:1 NASB

Scripture Contemplation:Genesis 15;31; Proverbs 3; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Hebrews 2;12...

 

©Ruthe McDonald.

How many times have you promised that the next time would be different? Or, how many times have you told yourself that, if you had to, you would just walk away? That, you would have no problems letting go and doing what needs to be done. Sometimes it is far easier said than done. Yet, if we place our confidence in God and yield to Holy Spirit, though it may be hard, we will be able to do what is necessary to walk in the path that God has ordained and walk away from the people, places, and things that harm or prevent us from moving forward in our purpose.

I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. May you yield completely to Holy Spirit as He continues to guide you on the path of righteousness, leading you to your expected blessings. Walking away may not be easy, but it may be the difference between living and dying.

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is walk away. Whether it's from a relationship, a job, a habit, or a thing....walking away isn't easy but necessary; especially when God is telling you to walk away. There are times when we may find ourselves in a situation that is so toxic that, if we don't walk away, we may be destroyed. Though it may not be easy, it would be much harder to stay as your soul and spirit slowly die and there is no longer you; just a shell of who you once were. 
 

Why do we stick with things that are not good for us? Why do we continue to try and change a situation by doing what we did before, knowing it did not work? What's the saying—insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result? Yes. Not going to happen. In order for change to happen, we have to be obedient and do something different. Sometimes doing that which is most difficult.

It doesn't matter if the thing God desires us to walk away from is a relationship, a job, or a situation or place; obedience to God will not only save you from sacrificing the blessings that God has waiting for you. It will save you from heartache, pain, and even death. Walking away can very well save your life.

Many are in toxic relationships that the Father has told them to walk away from. Even family and friends have told them to walk away. And yet, they stay. Some stay until there is no more life in them; every hope, dream, aspiration...gone! They are no longer living, just existing. Why? Why would anyone stay in such toxicity? Perhaps because they have been systematically stripped of who they are until they believe the lies of the enemy instead of the truth of what God says. 
 

It is very hard to believe the truth when you have been conditioned so long to believe a lie. Yet, with God, all things are possible. And when there is a sliver of hope, and people praying, there remains a chance for that person to still walk away and get the help they need before it's too late. Never give up on someone who may be in a toxic relationship. Though they may be operating out of fear; be there and make certain they know you will not abandon them.

Perhaps you are holding onto a job that God has told you to walk away from. Rest assured, if God is telling you to walk away, it is because He has something far greater for you. Many times we get comfortable in our lives and become complacent. But what if your job no longer existed? What if the company shuts its doors? What would you do? You placed your security and trust in what you thought was stable, instead of placing your trust in God. 
 

God does not tell us to give up something without having something far greater in store. So many of us miss out because we do not trust God completely. We haven't totally yielded to the Father and trust Him to lead us to where we need to be. When we truly let go and trust Him, that's when we will understand just how deep God's love flows for us.

Yes. Walking away is not the easiest thing to do. But it is necessary. It is vitally important to know when it is time to let go and walk away. We run the risk of forfeiting the security and the promises of God by hanging on long after God has said to let go.

Trust God to lead you; to catch you when you fall; to help pick you up; to guide you and lead you to a place He's ordained just for you. Walk away. The first steps are always the hardest. However, think about what lies ahead—the promises and peace of God. With every step forward, you are that much closer to His promises.

My Beloved, I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in your life. Whatever it is that God is telling you to walk away from...do it. Walk away and trust God to lead you to the place in which He has already prepared for you. Trust Him. Do not hold onto something or someone because of fear or obligation. You will only come to regret and despise it or them. Release yourself, and walk away with the confidence that God has you covered. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"The Culture of God"

Reflections4Life™ March 1, 2020

“The Culture of God”

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

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 106:34-39; Jeremiah 1; Daniel 5; Acts 2; Romans 12

©RutheMcdonald.

We live in a world that is primarily self-centered orientated. Even some that would do for others, calling themselves philanthropists, don’t often do so without someone knowing that it was they who did such a “good thing”. Wanting to be recognized; desiring the virtual fifteen minutes of fame; many squander their morals and ideology for social media deity and financial gain. But alas, so it is with the culture of the world. So ingrained in the hearts and minds of people, there has become a very thin line between recognizing those walking in the culture of God and the culture of this world. Will God’s real children please stand up? The world is dying and we need the remnant of God now!

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Stand up and make it known if you love the Lord and live to please God and not man. Do not be afraid to represent God, to be set apart and looked at as the exception to the rule. We were created to be a peculiar people; to not fit in, to stick out, covered by God’s grace, living under His anointing. Take the time this week to spend in the presence of God, and learn of the wonderful ways and gifts that God has waiting just for you.

God makes no mistakes. He knew what He was doing when He created each one of us. He knew what we would face in this world—the tests, trials, and temptations. He made a way of escape for all. However, it is up to us, when we come into the knowledge of who God is, to continue seeking Him and His will, and doing our part in walking according to His will and ways and not succumbing to the ways and culture of this world, that eventually turns on us; leaving us often used, abused, hurt, and confused.

It is easy to be caught up in the world and its drama. To be swept away by its sense of merriment and amusement. How many times have we witnessed people get caught up in things of this world, swept away in their emotions and flesh, only to crash and burn in the most horrific ways; their lives either being destroyed or changed in irrevocable ways? How about your own life, and any regrets you may have because you were caught up in a moment.

The flesh gravitates towards what feels good at the moment; willingly throwing caution to the wind and doing things in a moment that have lifetime consequences. Yet, even in this state of being, God has made a way of escape for us. He, in His love and kindness, has forgiven us and welcomes us with open arms, into His fold. Encouraging us to not only bare our heart and soul to Him, but also to release the baggage, let go of the pain, the past, and heartache, and receive with an open heart and judgment-free—the life and unconditional love that He has ordained for us—no questions asked. The price having already been paid through the Blood of the Lamb, Jesus the Christ, His only begotten Son.

The culture of the world entices; throws out bait to reel us in, promising a good time, reckless abandonment, no rules or structure—living from moment to moment with no care for the next day of ourselves and responsibility. While, it shames, mocks, and scoffs at those who would choose to walk in the love and grace of God. Making it seem for many that those who follow God only ever suffer, have no fun, living a boring, bland, and repressive life.

What a load of crap! All lies! For, to know God and truly walk in the culture of God is to know true freedom. It is, knowing the power and strength you have never and will never experience outside of God. It is being free mentally, emotionally, spiritually. It is, having a relationship that fills and feeds you on a daily basis, offering you a lifetime of growth and happiness, leading to eternal life in the presence of your Creator. It is, changing not only your lives but the lives of those you love and have yet to meet in a very special and unique way. Walking in the culture of God is learning what it really means to trust, and how to fight AND win against the enemy by coming to the understanding that the battles have never been ours, but has always been and will always be, the Lord’s.

My Beloved, I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in all areas of your life. The culture of God is not boring, bland, or sterile and stiff. Do not allow the enemy to lie to you. It is a place of freedom, unconditional love, greatness, and discovery. Do not forfeit your inheritance from our Creator for the magic beans sold by the enemy. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Naked"

Reflections4Life™ February 23, 2020

“Naked”

“And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 2; 3; Ezekiel 16; Romans 8; Hebrews 4; Revelation 3...

Just the thought of being naked before anyone used to terrify me. And, I definitely did not want anyone to see all my “bits & pieces”! I'm laughing at myself right now, so you can also! It's just something about exposing yourself that way. To have people seeing every part of you and making judgments. So not into that! Yet, the Father wants us to come before Him naked—baring our hearts and souls. Laying EVERYTHING at His feet—without shame—so that He may cover us, and we can receive the healing we need and deserve.

I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. May you have the courage to come before the Lord naked; baring your heart and soul. God knows it all, but He desires for us to come willingly. To, lay our all—no matter how excruciating painful or embarrassing—lay it at His feet and trust Him to take care of you.

Every day someone is making a judgment as we are exposing ourselves to the world, whether it is intentional or not. Some of us are overexposed—people know excessively much about us. Whereas, the people that should know us well, know hardly anything at all.

Each time we open our mouths; every action we take—we are exposing something about who we are, or who we think we should be. Some expose themselves to gain attention. For whatever reason, there is a void in their lives. Any kind of attention they can garner, whether it is positive or negative is filling a void, but they still feel empty inside and seek ways to fill it.

I give credit to my husband for opening this line of dialogue and inspiring today's Reflection about being “naked”. Our conversation, in short, was about being totally honest with one another. Sharing our heart and soul; baring our truths—good, bad, ugly, or indifferent—to one another without the fear of judgment or offense being taken. But, with the intent to bring healing, revelation, and an even stronger bond.

He brought up Adam and Eve, and how in Genesis they were naked before one another, and before God without any thought or shame to their nakedness. In fact, they did not even know they were naked. They just were. They were being who God ordained them to be, and they were free. Then sin happened. The first thing they did was to cover themselves. As if, clothes could cover the darkness of our hearts or the shame of our actions. Sin made them feel exposed, as it does to every one of us; causing us to want to hide, to cover up.

The Father desires for us to come before Him naked. He wants us to come before Him fully exposing what is in our hearts, confessing to Him every thought, fear, plan, question, concern. No matter what it is God wants to hear it. He wants us to be free. Free to live the life that He has ordained for us, without the fear of thinking that God will not accept us or love us.

Yes. God already knows it all. The confession, the baring of our heart and soul is for us. It is for us to be free again, and to strip the enemy of any power he thinks he has over us. Coming naked before the Lord and confessing—baring every part of our heart and soul is not punishment, judgment, or condemnation. It is to free us, and release any hold the enemy may have over us through guilt and shame, and to bring healing to our wounds.

Romans 8:1-2 (MSG) With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.

You have nothing to lose but everything to gain when you bare all to the Lord. There is nothing that God has already known or heard, and has not made provision for. We just have to trust and believe that what God has and what God will do His best for us—always.

The shame of their sinful actions caused Adam and Eve to cover themselves. They were not so much covering their nakedness but trying to cover their guilt and the shame in having sinned against God. That's where many of us live today: in a cloak of sin and shame and also of guilt. We are afraid of someone exposing us, or seeing the truth about who we think we are, instead of knowing and believing who God says we are.

With God, we don't have to be ashamed of who we are or what we did. He already knows. He has made a way for us to be free and to change our lives in the process. We may feel remorse, make a confession, and ask for forgiveness, but we no longer have to feel condemned when we accept Christ into our lives.

Yes. There are always consequences to our actions. That is the price of the actions that we take upon this earth. Yet, even in that, we are liberated in our hearts and minds by laying it all before the Lord, and being honest with ourselves, with God, and with those in our lives.

Nothing hidden every stays hidden. Lies always have a way of coming out. We can run from the truth for a while, but sooner or later it shows up, and wants payment in full. I always say and believe with my whole heart that I'd rather be told the truth and be hurt, than to find out a lie and be devastated. With truth, you can rebuild and there is healing. With a lie, there is no trust and broken promises, along with relationships.

Whatever it is that lies within your heart, and in the recesses of your mind, I implore you to bare it all before the Lord. Confess it to the Father and be free from the bondage and manipulation of the enemy. God desires us to walk, and live in truth, and to receive all that He has ordained.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. Come naked before the Lord. Allow Him to cover you with His love and heal your wounds with His touch. Exposing yourself to the Lord will only bring you strength, healing, and deliverance from the lies, condemnation, and taunts of the enemy. When you tell the truth, there is nothing left for the enemy to use against you. You are free. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

God Already Knows

Reflections4Life™ February 16, 2020

“God Already Knows”

“So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].” Isaiah 26:4 AMP

Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 3; Isaiah 26; Isaiah 65; Luke 16; James 5...

I am familiar with feeling as if I am all alone. That, God, is nowhere around and does not hear my prayers...my supplications being ignored. In the meantime, my heart is breaking; my soul is aching, my mind, and emotions becoming numb while a feeling of being lost consumes you with no foreseeable way out of a long winding hurtful maze. What I know: God is not sleeping. Neither is He winking. He sits high upon His throne, as He also walks among man. He knows the heart through and through. He sees what many cannot see or are unwilling to see. He knows our thoughts and our intentions. He already knows the hurt and heartaches. He knows the reasons and He is taking care of all things; even if we cannot see Him, He is moving on our behalf.

I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. There is no need to hide from God when He already knows. However, we must confess and repent and be made free. Acknowledge who the Father is, and be free from those things that would bind us. Whether it is a person, place, or thing—God is on it.

God is pulling back the covers, exposing the truth and revealing the wolves in sheep's clothing. Many may deny the truth concerning their wicked and hateful hearts, and depraved minds; but they will never escape the hand of God. As many, an elder would say: "Your arms are too short to box with God." We cannot outrun God or hide from Him. No matter what we do or think, you can believe God already knows. This...I know for certain.

There is a war going on in this world. It's been going on for a long time; ever since the fall of man. The war between good and evil. Though it seems that evil has been winning many a battle, the truth is that good has already won the war. God is not ignoring our heartache, our pain, or even our confusion at some things. He is our Champion, and if we trust Him, we will see His hand move on our behalf.

We really cannot explain why people do what they do. Were they taught to be that way? Did they assume that character, believing that it would serve them and their lifestyle? Why some more caring than others are. Why do some seek to destroy while others seek to build? We know as long as we are upon this earth waiting for Christ's return, there will always be the two: good and evil. We must determine what side we are on, and not straddle the fence.

There are many of us that become disillusioned with God; not understanding His ways. We do not understand His thoughts. Therefore, we do not understand why God, who says He loves us, would allow such travesties to continue to happen in our lives. God has given dominion of the earth to man. He has given each and every one us the freedom to choose which path we walk in this life. God already knows which way a person will go. He already knows who will yield and submit. He knows who will not. Yet He extends His love and His mercy towards us all.

Job 34:21 “For His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He seeth all his goings.”

Proverbs 5:21 “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He pondereth all his doings.”

Jeremiah 17:10 “I, the Lord, search the heart; I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”

Isaiah 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” saith the Lord.

We have all been extended the mercy and grace of God. However, there is a time of judgment coming. When we spend too much time considering the paths of others, we may find ourselves becoming agitated, and falling short of the mark that God has called for our lives. We must continually walk in the presence and mind of Christ. We must yield to God every day, understanding that God will take care of our enemy.

Our lives cannot be lived by what others are doing. Our walk, in God, cannot be established by the actions of another. It must be based upon our own, personal intimate relationship with the Father. Though it seems that many are getting away with evil, do not be fooled. God is not sleeping. He is moving in ways we cannot see or even understand. Our walk, however, must be our focus. We cannot save anyone else. We can share the truth of the word of God. We can lead them, and live by example. However, we cannot choose a life of righteousness for no one other than ourselves. The choice will always be theirs. For those who seem to be getting away with atrocities; know that God already knows.

Galatians 6:6-8 Let him that is taught in the word share with him that teacheth, in all good things. Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

God hears you, beloved. God already knows, and He has made a way for you. Do not be distracted by the evil of others. Do not be deterred from your walk in Christ. Do not give up or lose faith because of the actions of others; even when it hurts and all you have done is love. Hold on, and to know that God has worked it all out for you. Stand firm and stay focused. Continue to walk by faith and not by what it looks like. God has the final word.

My Beloved, I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity have found permanent rest in your life. Take comfort in the knowledge that God already knows, and that He has worked it all out for you. Trust God with all your heart. Continue to walk in faith, knowing in your heart that God knows just what He is doing; we still win. You are blessed and favored! Now go...and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.