"Betrayal"

 Reflections4Life^TM March 28, 2021

“Betrayal”

“But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him.” John 6:64

Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 6; Matthew 20; John 6; 1 Corinthians 11…

Wishing each and everyone who celebrates a Happy Palm Sunday. As I think back on my childhood, loving memories flood my mind filling me with a warmth that wraps itself around me like a cozy blanket. Enfolded in this embrace is every family tradition. Every lesson was taught to me by my mother, my Grams, and my Nana. I think of the church services, Sunday school, and the lessons we were taught about Jesus the Christ and His sacrifice for all mankind.

I pray today’s Reflections, brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. May you understand the multitude of love that our Heavenly Father has for you. Let your walls fall, and your guards down, allowing God that sacred place on the throne of your heart.

As a child, things seemed so simple. Conversations and Sunday sermons and Sunday school lessons now make sense to me. As I mature, I come to understand the meaning of Palm Sunday and Easter. It became much more than a time for families to gather and celebrate. For people to come to church after not coming for so long. Or, the delicious feast being prepared by my Grams and Nana, as all the grandchildren tried to eat their weight in candy from their Easter baskets. Lastly, the day had nothing to do with a bunny. But everything to do with love, betrayal, sacrifice, redemption, and reconciliation.

God indeed sent His Son for us. It was an act of love. Jesus, denying His deity to be born of a woman, so that we might have eternal life—made a decision based upon love, even though He'd have to face bitter betrayal from the ones he loved, healed, restored, and raised from the dead. For all His love and loyalty, Jesus was met with betrayal. A betrayal that needed to take place so that we might live eternally.

I always think about the thoughts that ran through Jesus's mind. How hurt was the heart of our Beloved? How many times do we—to this day—hurt His heart with the sting of betrayal? We betray Him every day. We doubt Him. We forget about Him and His praise. We stand in the way of His blessings. If that wasn't enough; we deny him. We act as though we are the only ones in pain. We act entitled when what we do is betray God. We reject Him; acting at times as though we don't know Him. And STILL, He loves us. Still, He knocks on the door of our hearts. Still, He pursues His lost lambs and sheep though He already has many found.

Betrayal. The word itself brings a sharp pain to the chest. To the heart. The sting of betrayal is biting. Often it leaves venom that spreads its poison through our heart and soul until we no longer trust anyone. We think it's trust, but betrayal's poison has seeped in so deep that we are left with lingering doubts and suspicions about every relationship forward. Wondering when; fearing when will be the next betrayal.

Hallelujah for the grace, mercy, and love of God. Because of Jesus, we can overcome the sting of betrayal. We can get past it and have trust and love for others. How? Because of how Jesus answered His betrayers. He loved them; even after suffering for them. Though they rejected Him, after all, He did for them. He understood the bigger picture.

We can rejoice! We have a bigger picture, Beloveds. Bigger than the betrayal we've endured and suffered. A picture worth more than the sting, and a picture so powerful, it will heal us from the poison of betrayal. We just have to be willing to let go and yield to God with everything we have. To once again, become vulnerable. Vulnerable unto God as He leads us to our promises, and heals our wounded souls.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you.  Do not allow betrayal to rob you of a future; of the promises of the living God. Allow the Father to soothe and heal your wounds, as you first learn to trust God, and allow Him to love on you. Know this: God will never betray you. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Go On, Release It!"

 Reflections4Life^TM, March 21, 2021

“Go On, Release It!”

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 3; Isaiah 12; Jeremiah 29; Philippians 1; Hebrews 10…

I decree that today’s Reflections be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration to your heart, mind, and soul, and bring comfort, and peace. In the presence of our Heavenly Father, there is peace, joy, and strength. Everything we need to see the truth, to be on the right path, to make the best and sound decisions, is in the presence of God. His will for our lives will always be for the best. We must learn to trust Him. No matter what.

Within us lies many experiences. Some things we probably don't realize exist. There are some of us that experience great joy. Awesome happiness. And, unforgettable love. There is also within us the experiences of much hurt, pain, sadness, regrets, etcetera; things many have probably blocked out because of the pain.

Oftentimes, we walk around trying to evade what is going on within ourselves because it might be too painful to deal with. Yet, the more we try to run from it, bury it, ignore it—the more we hurt. It is time for us to look within ourselves and deal with our issues and release them!

There is no more time to run and hide; life is too short. We must begin to look within and take stock of what is going on, so we may confront and deal with it once and for all.  So we may be healed. We will never be free from what hurts us if we do not face it, confront it, deal with it, and then destroy it. The more we bury it, the bigger it gets, and the more we hurt.

God does not want us filled with all of this pain and hurt. He does not want us to be constantly suffering and hiding. He wants us to be free. To enjoy the life He has destined for us. In order to do this, to live this promised life, we must begin to see within ourselves and take inventory of what's really going on.

Take a look inside, Beloved. Don't you think you're worth it?

Whatever it is today that you just cannot handle, release it! Whatever has been holding you down and giving you pain? Release it! Life is too short to continue to have so many regrets and problems that block and hinder happiness and God's best for you.

What would happen? Really? What would happen, if just for one day you gave up the battle of trying to figure out how to fix that problem or solve that question, and really gave it all to God? You'd experience the promised peace of God.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. I encourage you to release it! Not certain? Then how about at least for today? One day. Take a breather. Go do something that will bring you some joy and pleasure. It might surprise you what will happen if you did. Go ahead, that's right. I dare you to really trust God and release it all! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"First Things First"

 Reflections4Life^TMMarch 14 , 2021

“First Things First!”

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8

Scripture Contemplation: Joshua 1; Psalm 1; Proverbs 3; Jude…

It's a brand new day. One filled with hope and opportunities just waiting for us to seize. As we are in Lent, and the Easter season, and for those of us who are believers, the reason for this season; let us not forget first things first: To spend some time in the presence of our Creator before we do anything else.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. There is much more to our lives than any of us believe or have possibly seen. The only way to understand and see this truth is to spend quality time in the presence of God.

How often do we forget to stop and give God thanks for His blessings of just waking us up to a new day? When you arise in the morning, what is the first thing on your mind? What is the first thing that you do? For many of us, it is everything else but God. We can admit it: God is not the first thought, nor do we make the effort to make Him first. To spend time in His presence before we think or do anything else.

God is often last on our list if we even remember. For many, the first thing on the mind is what we have to do that day. We think of our responsibilities, what has to be done, what has to be paid.  Many times we start off saying we are going to prioritize and make certain that we spend time with God. But soon enough, we slack off and we find the time we spend with God less and less and wonder why our lives are in such chaos.

God should not be an afterthought. He should always be first. I challenge you to make God a priority in your life. Make Him first in your day, and watch how the things in your life begin to change. God wants us to know Him and to know who we are in Him, to understand the precious gift of His Son. To know Him for ourselves—intimately—and not just what we hear or have been taught to believe from what others believe or experience. Testimonies of others are great. However, first-hand knowledge is greater. To know God for ourselves is essential to our own peace of mind and walk with Him. Spend your first moments with the Creator. Allow Him to fill your soul and reveal His plan for your day, for your life. I promise you will not regret it.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Make God a priority in your day; in your life. Begin the day in His presence, and end it there as well. Allow God to fill your cup with Him. With the blessings that you not only desire but need in your life each and every day. Put Him first, and see how your life begins to turn around. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Ask & Believe"

 Reflections4Life^TM March 7, 2021

“Ask and Believe”

“Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”  Mark 11:24

Scripture Contemplation: Matthew 7; Luke 11; Mark 11; James 1; 4; 1 John 3; 5…

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort, and peace to your heart, mind, and soul. I decree it a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. The Heavenly Father desires to give us so much; to bring forth abundance in our lives. We must learn to seek God with all of our heart, asking Him according to His will for our lives. Whatever you ask of God, believe He will answer and that you will receive what you have asked for.

I am thoroughly convinced that we do not have what we ask for in life because, 1. We don't believe we will receive it, and 2. We don't believe we deserve what we have asked for. What a sad state of affairs.

We need to start asking for exactly what we want. Believe that we will receive it. Then, do what is necessary to get and keep what we have asked for.

When we go to God, He expects us to come before Him humbly, yes, but also with confidence. We have not because we do not ask. And, when we ask, we are not asking according to His will for us or asking with the belief that God will answer.

The same goes for what we want on this earth. People will treat you any kind of way if you allow them to. I do not only ask for consideration and respect; I command it! If I ask someone for something, it is with the belief that whatever I ask for, I will receive. If I don't, then I move on. But at least I asked. At least I had the courage to knock on the door.

Listen Beloved; whatever you desire in this life, you must be determined to go after with confidence. You can't be afraid to ask for what is that you want. Your very breakthrough or door to the next level of success could very much depend on you coming out of your comfort zone and asking for what you want. Don't short-change yourself, either. Don't be intimidated or shy, and ask for less than what you need. Be precise, exact, and believe that you will receive.

As for me, I have too much riding on what I am doing and where I am going to not ask for exactly what I need and want. Let someone who can finance any of my projects come and ask me what I want! I will not only give them an exact number, but I will lay out for them a complete business plan with a trajectory for the next five years! I don't play when it comes to my dreams and visions. There are people in this world waiting for me. My family is waiting on me! 

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Life is too short for regrets. We have to be bold in our lives, in the pursuit of our dreams and visions. Ask for what you want and believe that you will receive it. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved. 

"More Than A Feeling"

 Reflections4Life™ February 28, 2021

“More Than a Feeling”

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise…” Hebrews 10:35-36

Scripture Contemplation: Joshua 1; 2 Kings 18; Job 4:6; Ephesians 3; Hebrews 10; James 5…

©Ruefox.

There are times when we get caught up in our feelings. We sometimes do things that we later regret because we reacted based upon our feelings at the time. Have you ever done that? React, based upon your feelings? Out of emotions? Only to wholeheartedly regret the actions afterward? We've all been there a time or two. Or maybe a few! We must learn that we are more than our feelings. When we walk in confidence, we’re learning to respond instead of reacting.

I  decree today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Be certain to spend quality, intimate time with the Father this week. Let Him pour into you; filling your spirit and soul with all that He is. So that you may grow in boldness and confidence and not be swept away or swayed by wavering emotions.

Here's the thing, Beloved: Our feelings are at times like a pendulum; swinging high one moment then low the next. They change like the wind depending upon what is happening in our lives at the moment. Our emotions can be calm and peaceful as a steady stream. Or, as dangerous and ravishing as a Tsunami.

God does not desire that for us. Living by our emotions is not living at all. The Father wants us to walk with confidence. Confidence in Him and confidence in ourselves. When we walk in confidence, believing in the Word of God and promises for our lives, there is very little that can disturb our emotions. Should our emotions become disturbed or our feelings hurt; we learn to respond instead of reacting; having fewer regrets had we allow our emotions to overrule our hearts and dictate our actions.

Many times when we react to our feelings, it is out of fear. I don’t think many realize how fear plays a role in whether or not they are reacting or responding. Fear is often the absence of confidence. Our confidence in a situation, a person, or even God, can be shaken because of something that may have occurred. And when fear is present, it messes with our emotions often causing us to react, instead of being still, praying, and responding after we have given thought and consideration to the situation.

Beloved, remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear. But one of love, power, and a sound mind. We do not have to be overwhelmed by emotions. We do not have to allow our feelings to dictate our behavior. Instead, we can be bold and confident, and walk assuredly in all that God has spoken. Instead of allowing our emotions to rule; we yield to Holy Spirit and follow His lead in any and all situations, with the confidence that God has already worked it all out.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Be confident in God. Be confident in yourself. Do not be carried away in your feelings only to regret rash decisions. Pray, think, and then respond. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved. 

"We've Already Won!"

 Refelctions4LifeTM February 21, 2021

“We’ve Already Won!”

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1Corinthians 15:57

Scripture Contemplation: Luke 10; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15; 1 John 1; Revelation 15…

Family

Most of us don't even know that the battle we are in, we've already won. We have been declared the winner way before the battle has even begun. Yet, many will be defeated because they were led to believe they could never win. So, instead of fighting and believing in themselves, they gave up before they even began to fight. Their thoughts defeated them.

I declare today’s Reflections bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Let your heart and mind be on Christ. Allow His words and thoughts to fill you and renew your mind daily, so you do not forget the promises and the victory that was already attained for you.

Beloved, let me let you in on something in case you did not know, or perhaps have forgotten: GOD HAS ALREADY DECLARED YOU THE WINNER! THE WAR WAS WON AND YOUR VICTORY SECURED WHEN CHRIST GAVE HIS LIFE ON THE CROSS; DEFEATING HELL AND DEATH.

It may certainly seem like we are on the losing team when we are faced with so many trials and heartaches.  It is easy to forget that we have won when the battles we are in feel like an all-out war. But that's how the enemy rolls. His very first strategic attack is to get in your mind. To make suggestions. To whisper in your ear until it seems like your own thoughts. To plant seeds of doubt's and water them by attacking you, and often using those closest to you as weapons to weaken your resolve and have you question where is God and if there is a God!

Another thing the enemy will try and use is to make you feel alone and isolated. He will try his best to convince that no one understands you, loves you, or cares about you. He will point out every bad thing about your family. Magnifying a lone incident until your entire family nonpersona non Grata. It's all lies.

As I was collecting photos this week for a slideshow for my Uncle's celebration of life services, I realized just how much my family enjoyed time together. In these crazy quarantine times and my personal trials and tests taking place, it was easy to forget how many times my family got together! I looked at all the pictures and was overwhelmed with so much joy and floods of memory. We truly were a family that gathered together every chance we could get. If that Sun was shining, we were gathering. If it rained or snowed, we were meeting at someone's house. 

The memories came flooding back thick and heavy, causing me to ache for what was, But also giving me hope for what's going to be. You see, we are all in a war right now; battling Covid, family issues, political issues, policy issues, human rights issues. But it all boils down to the same thing: We've Already Won! Satan can't keep us down. He can't stop a family that prays together from winning. Because we win! We will see healing. We will get together again! We will enjoy one another while thanking God for His Supernatural. However, we cannot allow the enemy to deceive us; making us give up and walk away when the restoration is here, and we've already been declared the winners.

I've said it before and I will say it again: Satan is the master illusionist. He is great at smoke and mirrors. But his greatest trick still doesn't trump God's greatest gift: His Son, Jesus, who gave His life so that we may live.

The enemy knows he has no power. The only power he has is the power we give him when we give up, doubt God, stop praying and turn away from God. The Father has not only secured our victory, but He has also given us authority and power over the enemy.

We've already won Beloved. You have already been declared victorious. But you have to believe it and walk in it. Do not be like Eve and enter into a conversation with the enemy. He will manipulate you every time. Instead, speak the word and declare it like Jesus did.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Say what God has already said and believe it. You are the winner! And you are strong enough to go through any battle that comes your way! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Intentional Faith & Blessings"

 Reflections4Life™ February 14, 2021

“Intentional Faith & Blessings”

“Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:1-4

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 15; Psalm 37; Romans 12; 13; Galatians 5; 1 John 3; 4; 5…

Happy Love Day! May the Intentional Love of God fill every corner of your heart, so that you know and never forget, that there is not one day that you are alone, as long as you remember that GOD indeed loves you—heart, mind, and soul.

I decree today’s Reflections will bring comfort and peace to your heart, mind, and soul. May it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Let your heart be filled with hope and joy this week. Hold on to the promises of God. Ponder them in your heart. Let them anchor you as you go through the storms of life.

Things occur that we cannot understand the reasons. Why do certain things happen? Why people do what they do? Why do some things seem more difficult at times, and easier at others? Or, why does it seem like the people who live wickedly, seem undeserving, always get while those who give and love so unconditionally get the short end of the stick?

It can feel that way in the world we live in. Especially if we are comparing ourselves to others. Beloved, what if I told you that God had intentional blessings for your life? That it is not based on how good you are, how much you pray; that all you had to do was believe and receive? Would that be too easy for you to accept? For most, it would.

Listen; God is causing things to take place in our lives that we have no idea about. He is intentional—deliberately causing things to work out in our favor. We just have to hold on and keep believing. Though the wait may seem long, though it may seem we are being passed by or forgotten—put your trust in the Heavenly Father where you cannot trace Him.

In this world, it rains on the just and the unjust alike. It may seem as though the wicked are prevailing. Like they are winning at every turn. But understand this: it is temporal. For us, it is eternal. What God had for us doesn't just apply to the right now and here but for all eternity; intentional blessings that will carry over for generations to come.

Instead of wondering why everyone else seems to be prospering and the wicked are happy, concentrate on your intimate relationship with the Father. Learn of Him, then follow His instructions. While you are waiting for the manifestations of the promises and blessings, be deliberate in your service. Be intentional in your day to day walk. Never cease to believe that you are next in line for your visions to come to pass. For, His promises to you to be fulfilled.

Have intentional faith. Be intentional in what you are believing and praying for. Pray about it. Write it down. Declare and decree it. Get that crazy, no-holds-bar kind of faith. The faith that is so crazy to fathom anything else but what you have decreed happening, to happen. Show God how serious and purposeful you are in your faith.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Know this: All things are working out for your good when you continue to trust in the Lord and all that He has spoken to your heart and soul. Walk according to His will for you. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"With All Your Heart"

 Reflections4LifeTM February 7, 2021

“With All Your Heart”

“But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 15; Deuteronomy 4; 6; Psalm 86; Luke 10:27…

Mr. Leonard M. Bishop

Anything worth having in life is worth the effort in attaining it. Anything worth achieving requires that we are willing to give our all to whatever it may be. Be it a career, a relationship, a family, a business, etcetera. Whatever we desire to succeed in, it must be met with the investment of all our hearts.

Today's Reflections4life is written to my family. We have suffered tremendously over the past five years. Our hearts have taken some huge hits and losses, and I know it feels like we are losing. I want each of you to know just how much I love you and pray for you dearly. I know it is easier said than done. The transitioning of our Beloved Brother, Uncle, Father, Cousin Leonard Bishop (Bish) has hit a bit differently. I can only say it's because we are used to him being the one that consoles us, and somehow making us smile through our heartache. I can only take comfort in the fact that I know he is no longer in pain, is at rest, and is rejoicing, holding the hugest concert Heaven has seen in a long time and reunited with his beloved, Aunt Nette. We are going to get through this, family. Though we cannot see it right now, and it seems impossible—we are strong. We are resilient. And we have God on our side. 

If I have not spoken to you in a while; if I have not reached out to you—please know, it is not because I have not wanted to. I just have not been able to. Not the way I want. Some of you may not understand what God has been doing in my life. And the truth is, I have not either, but when He lets me know and gives me a full understanding, I will be sure to share it all with you. In the meantime, please know that I love you. That I have been praying for ALL of you Every. Single. Day. There is not a day that goes by you are not loved or prayed for. So, hang in there. We have this as long as we stick together. Let us learn from our Beloved Uncle Lenny; let us love with all of our heart. Because we know, that is exactly how he loved. He loved with his whole being, and that is why this hurts so much more. Let us follow in his footsteps. Let us keep loving and forgiving each other and showing up for one another. It is the only way we will get through this, and continue to honor Uncle Lenny and all of our loved ones that have transitioned in these past five years.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Make a conscious effort to invest in yourself this week by spending more intimate time with the Father. Come to Him with all your heart and He will open up the windows of heaven as you have never seen before.

When we enter into a new relationship, most desire to give their all because they desire that intimate connection and the promise of a lasting and loving relationship. As time goes on, and the relationship matures, it is expected that one is giving all of their heart. That, they are all in; invested in the relationship and its success.

Then there are others who do not give all in a relationship. They give a bare minimum of themselves and then wonder why the relationship failed. They hold back and do not take the risk of getting hurt if it doesn’t work out the way they desired. So, instead of becoming vulnerable and giving in to getting to know that person, and having that person know them; the relationship cannot grow and soon dies out like all the others before it.

Anything in our lives worth having requires that we give our all. We must be totally invested to see any growth and reward. No matter what it is in life; we will not see success or manifest the best if we are not 100% invested in what we are doing.

We cannot excel in our careers if we are not willing to invest our time and give our all. With the exception of extreme cases of nepotism—when is the last time you witnessed someone being promoted to a highly esteemed position without being totally dedicated to that company? Proving that they give their all in the job that they are doing? The promotion comes when you have diligently and consistently worked for it.

Some may argue that that is not necessarily true. That, there have been many instances where one has given their all only to be disappointed, crushed, and devastated in the end; left feeling wounded and dejected. And not so willing to give their all the next time around.

This is true for many. But that is life. That is the world we live in. However, we cannot allow these circumstances and situations to cause us to stop being who we are and true to what we know is right. We must stand firm in who we are and not conform to the way of the world when we are hurt and disappointed. We must take the high road, and trust God to bring us through. Trust the promise keeper to keep His promises to us. Because the truth of the matter is, as believers, we are held to a different standard than the world. We have an example in Christ Jesus that we can look to. For He was rejected and betrayed when all He did was give His all. With all of His heart he served, He healed, He witnessed. And when He was betrayed? He still loved and gave His life with all of His heart.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. We may not be Jesus, but He lives in our hearts. The same character that resides in Him resides in us. No matter what we face in this life; always give all of you. Do all things with all of your heart. Because at the end of the day, it is not to impress flesh and blood, but to honor the God we serve who gave His everything to save our souls. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"The Words We Live By"

Reflections4LifeTM  January 24, 2021

"The Words We Live By"

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:21

Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 18; James 3...

We have so much power yet many fail to see it. We underestimate who we are to God and the impact we can have upon this earth. The power; ability to change lives each and every day. And it all begins with the words we say to ourselves. The words which we come to live by.

I decree this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Let the words that proceed from your lips be seasoned by the word of God hidden in your heart. Speak God's truth. Charge the atmosphere with words of life and begin to see a transformation take place.

For the tongue to be so small it can cause the greatest and most horrific pain ever felt. The words that proceed from our mouths on a daily basis have the ability to shape who we are and how we live. It has the ability to do the same for others, as well; having an influence on countless lives, known and unknown.

How are you living today? What words govern your life? "We are only as good as our word" is a phrase I often heard growing up. It speaks the truth in volumes. We live the words we speak and stand upon. The very words we speak to ourselves openly and in private. We also have the chance to affect others through the words that we speak. Therefore, it is imperative that we learn and understand the power of our tongues. For we will live by the words that continually flow from our lips and into the atmosphere around us.

What words do you live by? What words have governed and impacted your life? What words have changed or challenged your life? Words that you or others may have spoken. There are words that others have spoken over us in judgment or in jest, that have had a profound impact on our lives in negative ways.

Do not bound yourself to unhappiness and restlessness by living by the words of others who do not know you, want to know you, or understand your heart's desires or the call God has on your life. Speak life to yourself daily. Affirm each day who you are and how you will live and walk in this life as ordained by your Creator. You are in charge of your happiness, your destiny, your experiences. Do not allow the frivolous, hurtful, or disrespectful words of another to become your life's mantra or prophesy. No. Firmly stand on the promises of God, allowing His words over your life to become your guiding force, The words that inspire, encourage and give life.

My beloved may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that everything that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you.  Let your tongue be seasoned with the truth of God. Let what He has spoken of you become your truth and the words you live by. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing.

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Do Not Dim Your Light"

 Reflections4LifeTM January 17, 2021

“Do Not Dim Your Light”

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15

Scripture Contemplation: Matthew 4; 5; 6; Luke 8; John 8; Romans 2; Ephesians 5…

How brightly does your light shine? Do you continue to walk in your faith and maintain your relationship with God no matter what you face? Or, have you let your light dim? Often we are overwhelmed by the many different circumstances we face in life. Beloveds do not dim, your light, for anything or anyone.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Let the light of God shine in you. Let your heart fill with God’s great joy. Spend some quality time in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Give fuel to light that He has placed in you. So that no matter what comes your way—your light will continue to shine brightly.

There is a light within you that you are responsible for keeping lit. A light that sets you apart—that can lead others to the saving grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You are the light that God has designated to be in this world to lead others back to the way home. Yet, some of you have allowed your light to grow dim, while others have extinguished their light.

It is not hard to understand why so many have let their light dim. There is so much going on in the world. There is so much we are faced with that it can often overwhelm us. Yet, at the same time, we forget that because Christ overcame the world, so can we. We can get through all things. We can allow our light to shine brightly amid pain, heartache, loss, confusion, and hate. It all depends on our relationship with God and how much time we are spending in His presence. He is our source. He is our power. He is the only One who can keep us fueled and charged and ready to shine brightly for Him, keeping the light lit for those who are seeking their home.

Many of us have dimmed our light purposely so that we would not be ridiculed, rejected, set apart, or made to feel uncomfortable for who we are and what we believe. We reject God; reject our faith so that we can fit in. Sorry to break this to you, Beloved: You are not supposed to fit in but to stand out. To be set apart. To walk a righteous path that leads yourself and others to an eternity with our heavenly Father. How can you do that if you dim or extinguish your light just to fit in with the world? To be accepted for a moment in time, when your eternity is on the line?

Let your light shine brightly, Beloved. Do not dim your light. Do not let your light go out. You are a priceless and precious being that God has created in His image. He has nothing but the best for you. The Father has given us a charge—those in a relationship with Him—to let our light brightly shine so that those seeking their way out of darkness will know the way home by our light. How can we lead anyone or help anyone if we are too afraid to be set apart? Afraid to shine? Afraid to stand out? Do not allow your light to dim for a world with no power to give you the blessed eternity God has for you.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Shine brightly for the Lord. Let your light be the beacon that guides others to the path that is home. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Step Aside"

 Reflections4LifeTM  January 1o, 2021

"Step Aside"

"For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you the victory!" Deuteronomy 20:4 (TLB)

Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 21:31; 1 John 5:4; Deuteronomy 20:4-5; Romans 8:31-32

 There is so much that has transpired this past week, and it was only the first full week of the New Year! Lessons were given if anyone was paying attention. We can debate about it for days and still not come to an agreement about who is right and who is wrong. We have allowed our feelings to get in the way of what is godly right. We are fighting battles that God says are His. It is well past time we step aside and let God fight these battles.

I decree that this week's Reflections4life will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Get it in your heart and mind this week, Beloveds. You do not have to fight the battle. The battle is the Lord's. Get intimate with the Father. Spend time in His presence, allowing God to strengthen you and assure you of His plans to not only fight for you but win!

I do not know what it is about us. The human ego is huge. Our mind always complicating things that God says is simple. We often assume we are strong enough, competent enough to overcome the temptations of the world by our own strength. We seldomly stop to ask God, our Creator, to help us! All we have to do is ask God and have faith; believing that Jesus is the Son of God and that whatever we ask God for in Jesus's Name, God will say yes. Too simple? Probably, because the human mind is finite and cannot comprehend the full scope and depths of the love of God for His creation.

The word of God says that EVERY believer will conquer the ways of the world, not maybe conquer. It is truly a matter of our faith and how strong it is, that we can come to the understanding that the battle truly is the Lord's and what He requires of us, is faith and belief in His Son. 

Deuteronomy 20:4 (MSG) "...Don't waiver in resolve. Don't fear. Don't hesitate. Don't panic. God, your God, is right there with yoy, fighting with you against your enemies, fighting to win."

How many more testimonies would we hear, if we all believed that God was right there—in the trenches with us—fighting for us to win? God Himself, is fighting our enemies for us! We can have full confidence in the victory because God is fighting with and for us against our enemies. We have exhausted ourselves needlessly fighting battles that are not ours, but the Lord's. We have not fully believed or had the faith enough to ask God to fight these battles on our behalf. It is time for us, Beloveds, to step aside, stir up our faith, believe what God has spoken, and ask Him to fight these battles for us. I truly believe that this is what God is waiting on for many of us. Just for us to ask Him, so He can move on our behalf.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. God is on your side. Fighting every enemy to be certain that you win, God will destroy nations on your behalf. God sacrificed His only Son for our sins; what will He not do to ensure your safety and win against the enemy? There is nothing you cannot ask Him for. He has given us everything. Learn to seek Him, and step aside, and let Him fight your battles. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"God Over Everything"

 Reflections4LifeTM  January 3, 2021

"God Over Everything"

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

Scripture Contemplation: 1 John 4; Genesis 39:9; Exodus 18:11; Ezekiel 8:6; Matthew 12; Luke 11

HAPPY NEW YEAR, BELOVEDS! God is great! And He is great to be praised! Yes indeed! We have been blessed to witness another year, and for that, I am not only grateful but also excited! I am looking forward to the promises of God manifesting, and I hope you are, too! My mantra this year is LET'S GET IT DON IN 2021! The only way I see this happening is by making sure that God is over everything that I do and say! Put God first in everything and God will increase you to do get done what needs to be done.

I decree that this week's Reflections4Life will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. It's a brand new year with brand new opportunities and possibilities. Yes. Last year we had expectations that were dashed and overturned due to the devastating pandemic. Yet, God and His mercies towards us, has kept us and blessed us. We are alive! This means that we have been extended mercy and grace to complete the assignments God has placed on our lives. I dare you to put God over everything this week. Lay a strong foundation for the coming year, and see where God takes you.

When we look back over the year that we have had, it may be hard for some to move forward. So much loss and heartache came with 2020. This is all understandable. Yet, you are still here. Alive. In the land of the living, and hopefully believing. Believing that God is still God. That, He has heard and is answering your prayers. You have an opportunity to know God more intimately than at any other time in your life. This is the perfect time to get to know more of God, and in the process, get to know more about yourself.

I am not arrogant enough to believe that I know everything there is to know about God. Personally, I believe that if that were the case, I would not be on this earth, but in Heaven in His presence. I don't think that kind of knowledge and wisdom can be contained in the human vessel in the realm of earth. That kind of revelation—knowing everything of who God is—is too much power and awesomeness for our human mind to hold and comprehend. However, I believe we can get closer each day to knowing God and His ways, and when we yield to Him, He will impart in us more of Himself, and our lives will be irrevocably changed...for the better!

As difficult as 2020 was, we still have some valleys to travel through and some mountains to climb this year. We are not out of the woods and difficult times are still present. Yet, I do believe that with an increased knowledge of who God is, comes a piece of knowledge and wisdom about what to do, and how to navigate this new world in a way that is not only beneficial to self, but to those we love, and those around us.

God must come first in all things. Our relationships, our jobs, and even our worries. God over everything. If we can seek God every day with a sincere heart, wanting to know more about Him without the only motivation being what we can get in return; I believe God will open our minds and our spiritual eyes to see what has been right in front of us all along. The only requirement many of us have been missing was putting God first in our lives above everything else.

The relationship between God and us is not unlike a marriage. This is why I love the Song of Solomon. It is a definite picture of God, the Bridegroom, and the Church(us), His Bride. There is courtship, the first stirrings of love, the devotion, then the trials and tests, and then walking away, and reconciliation. Then the beautiful realization that love is stronger than death and the grave. God's love. And to truly understand this type of love and relationship, we need more of God, And to have more of God, we must learn to sacrifice other things and put God first where He has always desired to be in our hearts. There is no doubt, that if we put God first in all things, we will gain a piece of knowledge and wisdom that we thought we had but never experienced before.  Talk about mind-blowing!

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Put God over everything in this New Year. Determine to know more of El Shaddai, and see what the Father reveals to you and brings too past in your life. God has more for you than you could ever ask for. If you trust Him, He will show you many great things this year. Be confident and seek God wholeheartedly. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald.All Rights Reserved.