"When Love Hinders"

 Reflections4Life™ August 29, 2021

“When Love Hinders”

“I wish you would put up with a little foolishness from me. Yes, do put up with me. For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy, because I have promised you in marriage to one husband—to present a pure virgin to Christ. But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be seduced from complete and pure devotion to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:1-3

Scripture Contemplation: Exodus 25; 34; Deuteronomy 5; 32; Joshua 24; Ezekiel 34; Joel 2; 2 Corinthians 11…

I am pretty certain that some are raising an eyebrow and questioning the title of today’s Reflections. I understand. Because I felt the same way when God gave me the title, well before He explained what He meant. Of course, I trusted Him to do just that. And I also knew that this would be something that would open my eyes and heart, and prayerfully it will for you, too.

I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. I implore you to take time this week and explore your relationship with the Heavenly Father. Really look at it, and see if you have truly and totally surrendered your absolute all to Him. Ask yourself: Does God have all of my Heart? Am I doing all that I can? Do I trust Him sincerely? Do I really believe what God says about me? Does the Father truly have the number one place in my heart and soul? My only God?

Do you know that feeling you get when you fall in love for the first time? That feeling of free-falling? Always wanting to be in that person’s presence? Wanting to know everything about them? Wanting to share everything and get to know their heart and soul, as well as everything else? Yes. That feeling. That is an awesome thing. It is a wonderful feeling that we can cherish and celebrate. And it is a feeling that we should have towards our God each and every day. It’s definitely what God has for us; even though He knows us so well, and knows that we will, at some point, become distracted, preoccupied, disenchanted, and even for some—out of love. Yet, the Father’s love for us will never, ever change. This, we can be certain of.

Yet, for some of us that love deeply; who have huge hearts that we find ourselves pouring our love out on so many, and loving some so deeply to distraction, that we miss out on our relationship with God. We neglect what should be our number one priority and relationship. And when this occurs, slowly but surely, other areas in our life start to take a hit; even if we do not recognize it.

Sadly, many of us do not even realize that we have allowed our earthly relationships to not only hinder our heavenly relationship, but we have given God’s place in our heart to someone else. And even still, there are others who have allowed their earthly love and devotion to become their god, forsaking their relationship with the Heavenly Father.

God is a jealous God. He desires to be number one in our lives. He desires to be our only God. Our covering. Our Savior. Our Healer. Our everything. He yearns for our devotion so that He may bless us in the manner that He desires. He wants to blanket us in His love while protecting us from the machinations of the enemy. God desires our attention, Beloveds. However, far too many of us are preoccupied. And far too many have allowed our horizontal relationships to dictate our vertical relationship and receiving all that God has ordained for our lives.

It is not that God does not want us in relationships or to love anyone else. Not at all. He, however, doesn’t want it to hinder us from all that He has ordained for us while in this world. God wants us to be balanced. To be well-rounded. To not be so broken over a man or woman, boy or girl, that we begin to worship the creation instead of the Creator. That we allow the love in our earthly relationships to become so consuming, that we are doing any and everything to please, keep and sustain them that there is no room for God. We have abandoned our core and key relationship, chasing after fallible love.

Come on; be honest. How many times have you, or are still so gone in a relationship that it has affected your time with God? How many times has a relationship hindered you from doing all that God has asked of you? When was the last time, your time spent with God, was longer than any of your earthly relationships? Think about it. Really think.

There is nothing wrong with being in love. There is nothing wrong with loving people for who they are and where they are at in life. There is nothing wrong with wanting them to have the very best, and supporting who they are and their dreams. But, what is not all right is neglecting, forgetting, forsaking, and disrespecting God in your life. And please, don't get it wrong; we can also be in this position with our family. Our children, parents, etcetera. Anyone that is placed above God in our actions, reverence, and worship; even if we don't believe so in hearts and minds.

How many times has God reached out to you, but you didn’t hear him? Or, you ignored Him? Or you chose that earthly relationship over being obedient to God and what He has asked of you? Far too many, I might say.

Some of us do not even realize that the love we prayed for, asked God for, has become the very hindrance to God moving in our lives. Don’t get it twisted: Once again, I’m not saying there is anything wrong with loving someone deeply, but it is something wrong when that love causes us to do things out of the will of God and become someone that is not pleasing to God. God will not take a backseat or second place to anyone. He loves us way too much for that.

There are also the times when we love so much and so deeply that we make excuses for certain behaviors that we know are not of God. We accept things that we shouldn’t. Turn a blind eye instead of speaking up. We allow ourselves to be treated in a manner that is not becoming or acceptable unto God. I’m going to say this: DO NOT ALLOW A LOVE FOR THE CREATION TO OBSCURE YOUR LOVE FOR THE CREATOR AND MAKE YOU FORFEIT WHAT GOD HAS ORDAINED FOR YOUR ABUNDANT LIFE. Do not allow yourself to be treated in any kind of manner; like sheep being led to the slaughter by the enemy in disguise. Don’t allow the enemy to darken or taint a gift from God by you choosing to worship the creation and no longer the Creator.

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. Take a step back and evaluate your heart and motives. Give God what belongs to Him, and He will continue to do what He has always done for you: Love you anyway and unconditionally. Maintain a healthy balance by first seeking God for all things, and allowing God the honor to be not only your covering but to be your all in all. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Deliberate Confusion"

 Reflections4Life™ August 22, 2021

“Deliberate Confusion”

“And it happened when all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations around us saw these things, that they were very disheartened in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was done by our God.” Nehemiah 6:16

Scripture Contemplation: Deuteronomy 13:18; Nehemiah 5; 6; Acts 26; Colossians 3; Revelation 7…

I’m going to get right to it, right now, and let you know that there is a deliberate plan going forth to cause deliberate confusion in your life. It doesn’t matter which area, just as long as confusion and destruction are the results. However, I will say this: If there are any disagreements and different points of view that exist between you and others, then count on things to get turned up quite a notch. The enemy does not play fair, Beloved. Whatever he can use against you, to bring harm and destruction to your life, relationships, career, etcetera, he is doing it. It’s time for you to lay aside every problem, situation, or thought that is bringing you unrest. Lay them at the altar and leave them there, as God exposes the enemy and all of his plots and plans.

I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. I pray you’d be inspired to seek a more personal and intimate relationship with the Father, allowing Him to reveal Himself to you in a whole new light; encountering a personal revelation of our true God for yourself, and the uncovering of plots and wickedness by the adversary.

Oh, my Beloved! How crafty and slick the enemy is. He will worm his way into your life’s situations before you even had an opportunity to wake up and give God thanks for a new day. He has already been plotting and planning ways to destroy you and especially your reputation while maligning your character. He doesn’t care who he has to use to get what he wants. As a result, we are in a state of confusion, hurt feelings, misunderstood intentions, and far from truly and finally opening our hearts before the Lord.

I encourage you to read and study the book of Nehemiah, with extra emphasis on chapter 6. My God! What God will do to bring a revelation to his children! In short; Nehemiah, a servant of God, called together the children of Israel. God instructed him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. In the course of Nehemiah doing this, he was met with opposition. But Nehemiah didn’t care. Even if he had to build the wall alone, he was going to be obedient to God Almighty. Though his life was on the line, he went forth and began to build the wall, with the few others that were also obedient, working tirelessly to erect the wall, all while under the scrutiny of not just those who did not believe, or the false prophets, but under the watchful eyes of the enemy. The same enemy who plotted and planned to take Nehemiah out through means of manipulation and trickery.

Yet, Nehemiah was having none of it. He did not take the bait that the enemy laid down. Even when it seemed like someone was on his side, and what he said was plausible; Nehemiah recognized the hand of the enemy at play. As words of derision and speculation spread throughout the camp, the enemy tried their best to cause disruption and deliberate confusion amongst those working on the wall. All in an attempt to get them to back down; to stop working on the wall. But God! But God, Beloveds, had other plans. He instructed Nehemiah to go forth and complete the wall. To, not fall or listen to the enemy’s whispers, or feed into their letters of lies designed to get him alone in order to kill him.

Nehemiah stated: (Paraphrasing) what kind of man do you think I am? I will not fall for this! His mind was stayed on, Jehovah Elohim. He continued to pray and seek God for direction and to finish the work he was assigned. He did not stumble or fall as intended by the deliberate confusion that the enemy was calling. He stood his ground upon what he knew was true and right in the eyes of God. The enemy came to bring distraction by bringing deliberate confusion. His intent is to distract you so you cannot hear or see God and move in one accord with God, and with those you love and care about.

Beloved, allow me to tell you this—and please listen and hear me with an open heart. The enemy cares nothing about you. He hates you. He will do any and everything he can to separate you from God and the will of God for your life. He seeks constantly to destroy from the inside out. He is strategic in his machinations. He will use small things and build them into monumental things to bring division, confusion, and heartache to your life. But he can only do this when you allow him to. When you allow him to constantly whisper in your ear, or use others to grate on your nerve like a thorn in your side. His whole strategy is to deliberately confuse you until you are doing his bidding. Until doubt and unbelief begin to settle in your heart and mind, and your thoughts become muddled and eschewed. Until you are at the point that you cannot even recognize when he is running a game on you. By the time you realize what has taken place, he will have destroyed your life, using your own hands to do the job. And if possible, take your life as his prized reward.

Wake up! Wake up and get on your knees. Wake up and pray to the Father for truth, for covering, for instructions. Put on your armor and stand firm in prayer. This is not a game! There is a huntsman going after his prey with no other intention but to sport his dead carcass around (or ruined life, relationships, career, etcetera) in front of God’s face. Because at the end of the day? The fight; this war? It is not even about us. It is about Satan and God. It’s the enemy getting to the heart of God by killing and destroying His beloved creation, man. The apple of His eye. The one whom God chose to create in His image and with His power. Don’t you get it? The enemy is jealous of you! He hates you as deep as God loves you. He can never have or go where God has ordained and promised us. So he makes certain that he does everything he can to thwart the blessings of God in our lives. With us in a state of confusion; chances are greater that we will miss out on the manifestations of the blessings God has ordained for our lives.

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 the machinations of the enemy to cause you a moment of unrest. Do not allow him to subtly manipulate you, and cause constant and deliberate confusion in your relationships; especially marriages. Keep your focus on God, Beloved. Do not give room to the enemy by constantly entertaining and nursing the words he consistently and deliberately is feeding your mind. Stand your ground against the enemy and completely open your heart to God. He knows exactly what to do for you. Trust Him. You are blessed!!! Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved. 

"Good News: Prayer Still Works!"

 Reflections4Life™ August 8, 2021

“Good News…Prayer Still Works!”

“…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…” Philippians 1:6

Scripture Contemplation: Deuteronomy 28:12; 30:9; Isaiah 33:22; Isaiah 43:18-19; Matthew 26:41; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Matthew 6; 17:19-21; John 14:12-16; Ephesians 1:15-16; 6:18; James 5...

I know some of you don’t believe this. I know some of you have stopped believing long ago. I know that many of you have given up. I know that many are disappointed, with broken hearts and spirits today. But it’s true, Beloved. There is good news…prayer still works! Yes, it does!

I pray today’s Reflections will bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration.  I declare and decree that it brings revelation to your heart, mind, and soul. I implore you, Beloved, to make an effort this week to kick up your prayer life. Spend some quality and intimate time in the Father’s presence. Allow Him to fill you and speak to your heart. Let God show you that, yes, prayer indeed still works.

I don’t care what it looks like right now. I don’t care how hopeless a situation looks. I don’t care how many times you have felt disappointed. I don’t care how loud the enemy gets. None of this is going to change the fact that prayer still works! That is good news for you and for me! In this faith walk, we will face many trying times. We will encounter many storms in life. We will face situations that seem impossible. Yet, there is one weapon that we have that has been severely underused and misused: Prayer.

You don’t have to believe me today. You don’t have to take my word for it. That is why I am asking you to try it for yourself. To pray. Pray from your heart. Pray according to the will of God. Pray with a belief that you have already received what you have prayed for. Pray consistently and with purposeful intent. And whatever you do, do not let go, because God is answering. In His way. In His time. So, just know that what you ask for, the answer may not come in the package or the way you desire or imagined. However, if your heart is open to God, He will show you exactly how the answer(s) manifest.

Prayer still works. How do I know? Because I prayed and God answered. I prayed and continued to pray; even when it seemed to take a long time in coming. I am still praying. And though I am in the midst of a storm and fiery battle—I am continuing to pray, because that is my best defense. My best piece of armor that I will not allow the enemy to take from me…anymore.

Yes. Anymore. Because I know exactly how it feels to lack in your prayer life. You don’t even realize it until it is upon you. For whatever the reasons, many of us have slacked in our prayer life. We have not put on our armor of God; especially the armor of prayer. And we wonder why we are facing such devastation and battles and wonder where God is. God is where He has always been: waiting. Waiting for us to pray. To pray without ceasing. Praying fervently. Praying with belief.

Beloved, I don’t care what you are facing right now. I am telling you, that prayer still works. If you pray according to the will of God. If you pray the way God has taught us to pray. If you pray with believing that you have already received what you have prayed for. I guarantee you that prayer still works. If you seek God’s face early in the morning. If you seek Him throughout the day. If you make God your first phone call and pray according to His will, you will not only see that prayer still works, you will see your life and circumstances begin to change.

Pray without ceasing simply means that you are praying until something happens. P.U.S.H. Push through the negativity. Push through the heartache and disappointments. Push through the lies of the enemy. Push through the circumstances. Push through the storms. It may or may not happen today or tomorrow or this week, but it will happen! The manifestations will take place. Because you can believe that the moment you prayed, God heard it and answered it. However, there are principalities in the atmosphere that try and hold up the manifestations of our prayer. (Read Daniel 10:12-14) And these principalities gain strength and power when we doubt. When we don’t believe. When we stop praying. When we speak negatively. When we cease hitting our knees and pray about everything and all things. But make no mistakes: Prayer Still Works! God is not only listening, but He is also answering and we must do our part by continuing to pray, no matter what it looks or feels like. That we will put on the armor of prayer and stand our ground and believe with all our heart that God has not only heard us but has answered, no matter how long it takes to manifest. Be determined not to give up. Hold on. Have faith. And keep praying until something happens.

James 5:17-18 “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.”

It is burning in my soul today, Beloveds. It is burning with an intensity to let you know, that without a shadow of doubt in my heart and mind, that prayer still works. And that is good news! We have been going through horrific times. We have been hit left and right. We have and are weathering some dangerous storms. But, yet, I tell you today that prayer still works! How do I know? Because I tried for myself and I cried unto the Lord. And although the circumstances did not change in the flesh right at that moment, I felt a peace in my heart and soul that let me know God not only heard but that He sure enough answered and all I have to do is keep believing, receiving, and praying.

Listen; you don’t have to take my word for it. And I encourage you not to just take my word for it. Try it for yourself. Give God the next 21 days of your mornings. Give God your first fruits of the day. Let Him be the first one you speak to. Let Him be the first person you check in with. Not your loved ones. Not your social media, and emails; not your job; not your problems or your troubles, but God! I dare you to come before Him first. Ten minutes. That’s all I am asking you to commit to. Ten minutes in the morning. Ten minutes in the afternoon. Ten minutes at night. Thirty minutes out of 24 hours. Pray. Communicate with the Father. Be earnest. Be sincere. Talk to the Father. Listen to the Father, and I promise you—there will be a difference in your life. I’m telling you: Prayer still works! And that’s why the enemy is doing everything to try and stop you. To prevent you from opening your mouth and your heart. But the devil is a lie! And God is truth. And I know, you are going to accept this challenge and prove that prayer, indeed, still works! Hallelujah!

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 dare you! Prove it! Prayer still works! Give God your time. Supplicate to the Father. Believe that what you are praying for has already been answered. Keep praying until something happens. Let God wipe away every doubt. Let Him rip up every seed of unbelief that has been planted by the enemy’s whispers that have brought weeds of destruction to your heart and desires. Let God show you that, yes, prayer indeed still works! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Discerning Truth"

 Reflections4Life™ August 1, 2021

“Discerning Truth”

“The Life-Light was the real thing: Every person entering Life he brings into Light. He was in the world, the world was there through him, and yet the world didn’t even notice. He came to his own people, but they didn’t want him. But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves. These are the God-begotten, not blood-begotten, not flesh-begotten, not sex-begotten.” John 1:12-13 MSG

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 85:10-13; 112; Proverbs 3; John 3:34-36; 1 Corinthians 2:10-13; 12…

I pray today’s Reflections will bring comfort to you. May it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration.  I declare and decree that it brings peace and revelation to your heart, mind, and soul. Spend time with the Father, allowing Him to pour into you His truth. Allow His light to bring comfort and awareness to your heart and soul. A light that will help you discern the truth about yourself and the intentions and truth of others.

 If there is one thing I know, is that one person's truth may not be another person's truth. What may be true for one person, for someone else, may not be true. We spend a lot of time in relationships taking for granted that we are receiving the truth. Yet, whose truth is it? The truth that we already formed in our hearts and minds? Or, the truth as it stands for that person?

      It takes a spirit of discernment to decipher the truth. Even then, you must be careful with the truth. We are responsible for how we deliver the truth when we share the truth, and how we express the truth. There is a season and timing for all things. The gift of discernment helps us to recognize when to open our mouths and speak, and when to hold it for the right time.

     The word of God tells us that God seeks for us to know the truth; even in our hidden parts. He desires for us to understand and know the truth in our hearts. Not just about who He is and who we are to Him and in Him. He desires for us to know the truth about ourselves. To understand why we do the things we do. Why do we allow others to do the things they do to us? Why do we feel a certain way about certain things? And why, two people can witness the same thing yet have a different experience and interpretation of what is going on.

     The truth is liberating, Beloveds. It most certainly is. But it can also hurt and cut and it can also bring harm if we are not careful of how we speak and deliver the truth. In everything, we need to take care when it comes to speaking the truth and our truths. Not everyone sees or thinks or believes the same, and we must learn to respect those boundaries.

    God has so much for us in our lives on this earth. There are plans that He has created just for us to walk into. Yet. God knows when we are ready. He knows when the right season is to reveal something to us. God makes no mistakes, Beloveds. If God revealed a truth to you, it's because you were ready to handle the truth. And it is time for you to move forward into the next season of your life.

     I can't begin to tell you how many times a revelation has come to me, and I was blown away, often wondering why God didn't reveal that before. He simply replied I was not ready to hear it, understand it, or accept it. It would have just been one more piece of information that would overwhelm me mentally. Trust! God knows exactly when to tell us a thing. He knows when to reveal the truth and when we are ready to hear it and deal with it.  Our lives consist of seasons and there is a reason for every season that God grants us. 

When we are in a relationship with the Father, and the light of who is He is, becomes present in our own lives, we cannot help but reflect His love and light to others. With that light and love comes the truth—to make aware, not harm. To separate, to heal, and to reconcile. The truth will separate us from what has been false in our lives. The truth will bring healing; even if it hurts (like most wounds and surgery does). The truth will bring reconciliation. It will reconcile us with who God ordained us to be and putting us back on that favored path. It reconciles relationships. In that, it brings people closer together, back together, or give the ability to move on, reconciling that the intended purpose for the relationship has been met.

My Beloveds, I pray the spirit of peace and prosperity to find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Let the truth be made known in your heart, bringing with it a revelation, healing, and reconciliation. Allow God’s truth to set you free from the lies the enemy has planted. Allow the light of God to lead you to all truth, teaching you how to discern correctly the truth about a matter—be it a person or a situation. God will never steer you wrong, but will always lead you to where you need to be and when. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing. 

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"All In"

 Reflections4Life™ July 25, 2021

“All In”

“Just then he looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, “The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others made offerings that they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all!” Luke 21:1-4

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 13:14-17; Deuteronomy 19:8-10; Matthew 6:30-33; Ephesians 5:25-28…

There are many of us that must ask ourselves the question: Are we all in? Are we all in when it comes to serving God? Or, is God and our relationship just delegated to a one-day weekend, with an occasional appearance throughout the week if things are hard? You don’t have to answer that just yet. Let it sit with you as you read today’s Reflections. Allow it to marinate. To get deep into your soul and the recesses of your heart.

I pray today’s Reflections will bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. I declare and decree that it brings peace and revelation to your heart, mind, and soul. If there is one thing I know for certain, two things I know for sure is that God desires our attention and He yearns for intimacy with us; to have our undivided attention. I implore you to make this week about turning up the notch in your intimate relationship with the Father. Spend some time with the Father. Not asking for anything yet becoming reacquainted with His heart.

I don’t know how many times I have failed at being all in. Probably too many to count. I am not ashamed to admit that. Do I feel bad about it? Yes. Because I know what God has done in my life. I know from experience the power and miracles that take place when you are all in. Yet, there have been times when I have not been all in. Why? I can only say that I had been in a state of rebellion. That, the trials and tests that I was facing had gripped my heart and mind so tightly, that instead of running to God, I ran away and hid. I openly admit I was angry with God.

Have you ever been angry with the Father? It’s okay to admit it. (Whispering) God already knows. Perhaps something you asked for was not granted. Maybe you prayed for healing in a loved one and didn’t see it the way you thought it should manifest. Maybe you have been waiting a long time for a promise to be fulfilled and have grown weary in your waiting and have begun to doubt the word, the promises of God. It could be a number of things. But whatever it may be, you have found yourself less connected to the Father. Spending less time in His presence or in prayer. In fact, your prayer life has become stagnate, and nearly non-existent. You are no longer all in. You are barely half in!

The Father desires all of us. He wants all of our hearts. He doesn’t desire a part-time, weekend-only, sometimes on holidays, kind of relationship. No. He wants to be a part of our lives in every way, every day. He doesn’t want our money as though that would pay for our lack of communication. He doesn’t desire from us anything that we can give just anyone or anyone who makes a big show about how much they can give in tithes and offering. It is also not about rituals or habits. It is not quantity over quality. He will accept the quality of one sincere prayer made once a week, over a slew of prayers prayed every day that is not from the heart, and are done for show, or for only asking God for what you want. He is not Santa Claus. He is not a barterer. He is God. Our heavenly Father who has loved us before we were even a thought in our mother’s hearts.

When you are all in with God, it is reflected in your praise, worship, and prayers. It is reflective in your communications and social engagements with those on this earth. Time, space, place, people, environment—none of that affects our relationship with God when we are totally sold out to Christ. When all of our heart is all in and invested in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Once again, it is not how many times you pray a day, but the worth of the prayer that is going forth.

God knows our hearts. He knows every nuance, every flutter, and every thought. He understands who we are and what we need. He created us, knowing us before we were even in our mother’s wombs. God gave to us His all. His very best. And all He asks us in return is to give Him our all. All of our heart, mind, and soul.

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. You are either all in or all out. There is no in-between when it comes to serving God. He will not manifest blessings in the manner that He desires to if you have yet to trust Him with all your heart and soul. Trust Him to be God. The same God who gave His only Son for our salvation. The same God who has gifted you faith already in you, so that you can trust Him. Do not hold back any longer, Beloved. You have everything to gain and absolutely nothing to lose when it comes to a relationship with our heavenly Father. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Get Out of Your Own Way"

 Reflections4Life™️ July 18, 2021

“Get Out of Your Own Way!”

“But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord charged you: to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments, and to cleave unto Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Joshua 22:5

Scripture Contemplation: Deuteronomy 11; Joshua 1; Matthew 22; Romans 15; 1 Thessalonians 1…

There is indeed something greater that God has for each one of our lives; greater than we could ever imagine. Many do not see it or reach it, because they do not believe it. Too much, according to them, has taken place in their lives for them to believe in anything great ever happening. However, the truth is, if we would get out of our own way and take God at His word, believe what the word of GOD tells us in Ephesians 3:21, we will see the manifestations of His promises for our lives.

I pray today’s Reflections will bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration.  Let this word bring peace and revelation to your heart, mind, and soul. Do something this week that you rarely allow yourself to do: Take God at His word and leave every worry behind. Give God full access to every part of your life—leaving nothing untouched by His hand of love and mercies. 

I will not lie to you; sometimes it is difficult to get through the things we are faced with and still have hope and joy in our lives concerning the promises of God. Yet, that is exactly what God is asking of us to do. To maintain hope and joy in the midst of the chaos, heartache, and craziness of this world we are in. To love Him with all our heart, mind, and soul; even when things do not seem to be going well. Especially then.

Is this an easy task? No. Not at all. However, at some point we are going to have to make up in our hearts and minds to get out of our own way and stop blocking the blessings that God has declared and decreed for our lives before we even entered this realm of time.  Far too many get things twisted. God does not have to catch up with the times. He doesn’t have to show up when WE say to show up. He doesn’t have to do anything more than what He already has done in our lives, because He has done far more for us than most of us will ever realize or be thankful for. We just can't see or understand it. Or comprehend God’s ways.

Far too often we block our own blessings. We get in the way of God moving in our lives because we are stuck in a position and point in time. Do you not understand, Beloved, that God works outside the realm of time? That, He is in fact already done everything He said He was going to do? That, it is us—we ourselves that must make the next move if we want to see the promises of God revealed in our lives?

Now is not the time to give up or give in to the enemy, Beloved. There is too much on the line. Your life, the life of those God called us to minister to, our families, children, co-workers; even strangers on the street; are waiting for us to get this right, and stop hindering ourselves with our inner dialogues of mistrust, doubt, fear, and unbelief. The harvest is ready but the laborers are few because most of us have talked ourselves out of doing things God way. We have allowed the circumstances, trials. and tests to dictate our next move and what we choose to believe.

Aren’t you tired? Aren’t you tired of not walking in the fullness of God and placing your burdens at His feet; at the foot of the throne and really leaving them there, because you truly and honestly, with your entire being, believe what God says concerning you and yours?

It is time, Beloved. Time to get out of your own way. Time to remember the promises that God has made for your life. Promises concerning you and your relationships and your loved ones. It’s time to remember what God says about your gifts, and how they will make room for you. It is time to remember to read and study your word. How can you possibly prepare and be ready for the abundance God has promised you, if you have not spent any time in His presence to know the 411? To know what is in the heart of God? To know and understand what God expects from you?

We block the manifestations of our blessings when we cease to get out of our own way and receive all that God has promised—no matter what the circumstances or situations look like. Beloveds, do not allow your mind [The devil’s playground] trick you into believing that nothing is happening and you need to give up. The devil is a lie! Get out of your way and allow God to have His way,

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 you not know and understand yet, just how precious you are to God? Just how much of a threat are you to the enemy’s kingdom? Well! You are! Do not complain one more second. Do not doubt the power, love, and hand of God moving in your life and already working things out. If there is one thing you may confidently say, it is that God has your back, 100.  Whatever you put into this life; whatever seeds you have sown; God has equipped you and prepared you for the fight that may lie before you while you await your harvest. Never doubt His word. He created you, didn’t He? You are blessed. Now go, and be a blessing.

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Freedom"

 Reflections4Life™ July 4, 2021

“Freedom”

“You are free, but still, you are God’s servants, and you must not use your freedom as an excuse for doing wrong…They promise freedom to everyone. But they are merely slaves of filthy living because people are slaves of whatever controls them.” 2 Peter 2:16, 19 CEV

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 119:40-45; Isaiah 61:1; Zechariah 1; John 8:36; Galatians 5…

Today and each day that follows, may you be surrounded by those you love and those who love you, having a joyous time, filled with much laughter. Remember: our independence came when Christ died for us and took the keys of life back from Satan and hell—a true reflection of our freedom.

I pray today’s Reflections will bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Take full advantage of your freedom to serve God openly, without fear or trepidation that someone will take your life for uttering the name of Christ. Let this week be a reminder of the kind of freedom we have that many have given their lives to just have a taste of. Don’t just be free in the physical, but free in your mind and spirit. Allow God to lead you, as the Holy Spirit teaches you.

Freedom

I am not free unless you are free, too.

I am not free if I am tethered to a life

that seeks to strip others of theirs.

I am not free if I cannot walk away from 

every earthly gain.

I am not free if I seek to hold you

down only so that I can rise above you.

I am not free if in my heart I can not

see the invisible ties that bound you and me.

I am not free if I have yet to believe that

God has set all of humanity free.

Freedom...when I see as God sees.

©Ruthe McDonald.

I truly believe we take our freedom for granted. Not in the manner that we forget, we have freedom, but that we do not fully exercise our gratitude by living a life that is reflective of that freedom, while others are still fighting just to have a tenth of the kind of freedom we take for granted every day. Freedom is more than just the ability to do what you want when you want. It is the ability to move freely, also, in our minds and spirits. Doing things that will not only edify the God we serve but seeks to ensure freedom for all those still in bondage. Whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual bondage. I can’t fully enjoy my freedom if I know that my brother and sister are still bound in chains, while I have the power and freedom (of mind and physical) to make a difference.

Freedom comes with a huge price tag. Though the cost of freedom has been paid, we are still charged with living our lives that will not only exemplify God but help to set other captives free. Be it physical captivity, or captivity of the mind and spirit.

If you know the truth; the kind of truth that could make a world of difference in someone’s life, would you share it? Would you make that truth heard, whether someone wanted you to speak it or not? The price of our freedom was paid when Christ gave His life for us. Yet, we are still charged with spreading the Good News. Of letting those who are still in chains know that they have the key in their possession that will set them free.

Luke 4:18 “The Lord’s Spirit has come to me because he has chosen me to tell the good news to the poor. The Lord has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners, to give sight to the blind, to free everyone who suffers…”

There are so many areas in our lives that God desires us to be free in. Free in our thoughts and our heart. Free to be who we choose to be. The biggest gift of freedom that God gave us is the freedom to choose. The gift of choice has enabled us to live as we desire to live. Yet, so many of us use it as an excuse to do what we want, while oppressing the freedom of those around us.

Freedom does not give us the liberty to live in just any kind of way. The freedom we have comes with responsibility. And whatever ways we determine to exercise our freedom, we must be willing to accept the consequences and take responsibility for our actions.

Be free in your hearts and minds, Beloveds. Stop holding onto grudges, and things that bring unrest to your heart and soul. Walk, in your freedom totally, not partially. Don’t take for granted the gift you have been given. Embrace it by becoming the best version of yourself that you can attain on this earth.

When we come to God, He makes us free in every area of our lives. He grants us freedom in our minds, as well as actions. The Father does not want us to exchange one set of chains for another. He desires for us to live a life of abundance and with a heart of gratitude that not only seeks to see those around us free, as well, but to actually do something about 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. You have been given a gift. A precious gift to be free from things that would bind you, and strip you of your choice to live the life that God has ordained for you. Take advantage of it by living life to the fullest, and sharing the love of God with others. It is no fun being free all by yourself, after all. Embrace your freedom by seeking to free others also. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Stay Awake!"

 Reflections4Life™ June 27, 2021

“Stay Awake”

“Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack.”  1 Peter 5:8

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 17; Isaiah 50; Jeremiah 50; Mark 14; 1 Thessalonians 5; Revelation 16…

There is no doubt in my mind that we are living in precarious times. For far too long, we have taken for granted that we will have the opportunity to wake up tomorrow. That we will have another day to get things right. Another day to right our wrongs, repent and start living right. I charge you to stay awake. Look at the signs around you. Signs telling you not only of the evil around us but signs that warn us of the enemy’s attack. And signs reminding us of Christ’s soon returning.

I pray today’s Reflections will bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Be sure to put on your armor, being prepared for whatever may come your way. Be alert and awake to the Father’s voice by staying intimate with Him. Your life is on the line.

As we look at the tragedies that have befallen the world of late, it should be no surprise that the enemy is moving rampant, seeking not only to kill, but to destroy families, people, and nations in the wake of the devastations taken place. He will not stop until he has claimed as many lives as he can. Preying upon those who remain asleep to his evil ways and attacks, and unyielding to the voice and warning of God.

Stay awake. Be alert to the signs of the times. Be aware of the plans of the enemy by staying connected to the heavenly Father. When you maintain a daily, intimate relationship with God, He will reveal to you, warn you of things on the horizon. The Holy Spirit will teach you the things you need to know. The signs to be alert for. How to recognize the spirit of the enemy at work in any given situation.

We must keep our spiritual armor on, prepared at all times for whatever the enemy may be up to. But more importantly, prepared to do whatever God tells us to do. And to move whenever He tells us to move.

Far too long, the Church has been slipping into sleep. Suffering a kind of sleep apnea, that has left the body of Christ lethargic, non-alert, tired, and a step behind the attacks of the enemy. We are unprepared and exposed to the attacks of the enemy. Not just impairing some, but taking the lives of many.

Paul admonishes us in the book of Ephesians how we should be behaving, living our lives as believers. Staying awake requires us to continue to walk and live in the path of righteousness:

Ephesians 5:11-18 “don't take part in doing those worthless things that are done in the dark. Instead, show how wrong they are. ¹² It is disgusting even to talk about what is done in the dark. ¹³ But the light will show what these things are really like. ¹⁴ Light shows up everything, just as the Scriptures say, ‘Wake up from your sleep
and rise from death. Then Christ will shine on you.’ ¹⁵ Act like people with good sense and not like fools. ¹⁶ These are evil times, so make every minute count. ¹⁷ Don’t be stupid. Instead, find out what the Lord wants you to do. ¹⁸ Don’t destroy yourself by getting drunk but let the Spirit fill your life.

He also admonishes keeping our spiritual armor on. That we are fighting not against flesh, but a spiritual war (Satan):

Ephesians 6:10-18 ¹⁰Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. ¹¹ Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. ¹² We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. ¹³ So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴ Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God’s justice protect you like armor. ¹⁵ Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. ¹⁶ Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Let God’s saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God’s message that comes from the Spirit. ¹⁸ Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people.

Stay awake! Be alert! Do not forsake an intimate relationship with the Father. It is your lifeline. A relationship with our Creator is like caffeine for our souls. Keeping us ready and alert. Prepared for any given situation that the enemy tries to attack us with. And if the enemy should win a battle, we will know what to do, and not give up. Remembering that we may have lost a battle, but we have already won the war. But we can only walk in that victory, if we stay awake and in the presence of God, following His lead.

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. Let God lead you where you cannot trace Him. Stay awake and keep your guard up; especially when you see all the signs around you. God never allows the enemy to take us unaware. If we are awake and fellowshipping with Him, we will see and hear the warnings that He gives us. Stay awake and intimate with God, and with your spiritual armor on, always. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Through Our Father's Eyes"

 Reflections4Life™ June 20, 2021

“Through Our Father's Eyes”

“You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous!
  Of this, I have no doubt.” Psalm 139:13-14

Scripture Contemplation: Psalms 139; Malachi 1:6; Luke 11; Ephesians 6; Hebrews 12…

I take this time to extend my gratitude to each and every father that has held up the banner of fatherhood by doing their best. Though you are not perfect, and mistakes have been and will be made—it is your heart, so filled with love that encourages and inspires me. I salute you and pray God’s continued blessings upon your life. Happy Father’s Day!

I pray today’s Reflections to bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. It is my fervent prayer that you will begin to see yourself through the eyes of God. May any blinders be removed this week, as you seek the face of God and His divine will for your life. See what God sees and embrace what He already ordained for your life.

I am of the belief that if we could all see ourselves through the eyes of our Father, we would not only understand how much God truly loves us but how strong and capable we truly are. That, there is not one thing we cannot handle with not only the knowledge that God is on our side but with His perception of who we are.

I don’t believe most of us even know—let alone believe—how the Lord God sees us. We have a bad habit of attributing our thoughts and ways to that of God. We—perhaps unintentionally—place God on the level of man when it comes to relationships and how He sees and treats His creation. We could not be further from the truth.

Oh, Beloved. If we would only believe even a millimeter of how God sees us; our lives would be changed forever. There would be no stopping us. Each day would be a barrier-breaking day. A day in which we truly stepped into the realm of the Holy Spirit and fully recognized our power, and that we certainly and indeed can do all things through Him who strengthens us.

Perhaps you do not know the love that our Lord hoards towards you. Maybe you have become lax in your senses and are blocked from seeing or even believing what God says of you. That you are wonderfully and fearfully made in His image. That He loved you so much He gave His only Son for our lives. That He created in you a new thing and will guide you through the completion of what He has placed in your heart. That He has an expected end for you. To see you prosperous and whole in every area of your life.

The Father loves you, Beloved. He does not see you as you are—undone, with many faults and flaws and idiosyncrasies. No. He sees you as righteous, whole, complete, and shining the light of His perfect glory residing within you and over you.

My father believed in me. He told me I would do and accomplish great things. That I would be successful in every area of my life. I didn’t question him. It was my father, after all. The love of my life. (And yes; I am unequivocally and shamelessly a Daddy’s girl! J)  I never questioned his love and belief in me. So, how much more should I take God’s word concerning me? God, the Father, the Creator, the One who shaped and formed me and breathed His breath into my body and gave me life. The One who sacrificed His Son just so I may have life eternally. The One who sees what I cannot see; Who operates outside the realm of time. The One who says be, and it is?

Beloved, God makes no mistakes. He sees you in a way that defies our human logic. He sees us as complete work. He does not see us as we are, but who were are to be: whole and complete in Him. Oh, if we could look through the eyes of our Father more often, and believe what He sees, we would be free from so much unnecessary heartache and tension; worrying about nothing. We would be free to soar like eagles and walk in the realm of blessings that are manifested each and every day. Don’t you want that? Don’t you want to be free and walk with the knowledge that God has of 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. Spend quality, intimate time in the presence of God. Allow Him to reveal to you what He says concerning you. Learn His ways and allow His perception and truth of you, become the vision you hold onto as you navigate your life’s journey. See yourself, once and for all, through the eyes of our Father. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"It's Time To Live Again"

 Reflections4Life™ June 13, 2021

“It’s Time to Live Again!”

“He then told me to say: Dry bones, listen to what the Lord is saying to you, ‘I, the Lord God, will put breath in you, and once again you will live. I will wrap you with muscles and skin and breathe life into you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” Ezekiel 37:4-6 CEV

Scripture Contemplation: Job 22; Psalm 19; Psalm 51; Ezekiel 37; Joel 2…

How long will you mourn the past and missed opportunities? How long will you regret the mistakes and failures? How long will you allow the things said and done to you to hold you hostage? How long will you remain bound to the death that resides in the past? How long, Beloveds? It’s time to live again!

I pray today’s Reflections will bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. God has something mighty special for you, Beloved. He has much to give to you today and each day that follows if you will allow Him to. Let this week be a week of revelation to your heart, mind, and soul. Allow the breath of God to breathe into every area of your life you have given up on, and thought was dead.

I had the opportunity to read a wonderful word of prophecy using the Scripture on, “Dry Bones”, in the book of Ezekiel. It resonated so deeply with my soul that I should have recognized it was preparing me for something to come. That, it was also a reminder of what God wanted me to do.

I cannot lie—I have experienced disappointment after disappointment, which I am certain many of you have, as well. So much pain, hurt, loss, strife. I know it has only been by the grace of God that I am still here. That I am alive. But that’s the blessing and the curse: to be alive but not living. Oh, Beloved, you cannot possibly begin to fathom how much that hurts me to say. But I cannot and will never lie to you. I will never write you something that I have not or am not dealing with, or God has not ordained for me to share. Ezekiel 37 was burning in my heart and soul. I could not sleep because my mind was overcome and heavy from things that not only that day but a culmination of years.

Everything came crashing down on me, heavy upon my heart and mind. I literally felt its weight in my chest and on my shoulders. Like a boulder was on top of me, trapping me, pinning me to the bed while my heartache increased and the tears began to flow and I cried out to God like I have not done in a very long while. Yes. I pray. Everyday. Every night. I pray for others. Yet, I openly admit the prayers for myself have been lack. More on a repeat button that could be recited in my sleep. That’s not God. Nor is that what He wants for us. He doesn’t want us to just be alive, living day to day like a program we are completing. To be alive but not present. Harboring and holding onto hurts from the past. Stuck in a place where no matter how much you work or achieve something, there is no joy. The Father doesn’t just want us alive, He wants us to live. Living life to the fullest. Living our purpose, fulfilling our dreams and visions.

God is well aware of our trials and tests. He is well acquainted with our griefs and our scars that seem to hold us hostage. He is well aware of our valley of dry bones where our dreams and visions and spirit of hope lie dormant. They’re not dead. They lie dormant waiting for us to speak the word of God over them. Waiting for us to speak life into them once again. Waiting for us to remember them, seek them, see them, believe in them once again.

Oh, Beloveds, there is a valley full of our hopes and dreams, our plans and visions that we have subconsciously given up on. That, we have allowed—for whatever reason—to dry up and not be vital any longer. The reasons really no longer matter. It is the past now. All of it can be behind us if we let it. We have right now, Beloved. Today. The gift of the present. Though God has plans for our future. Though we may see the future; all we really have is right here and right now. And what we do and believe about today will profoundly affect what occurs or does not occur tomorrow.

It is time to live again. It is time to be present and actively living. If you want to be healed, to be made whole, to give and receive the best, to walk in the sure promises of God, then we are going to have to live again, and not just be alive. And be willing to be vulnerable with a teachable spirit, with God guarding your heart.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You, for another day of life. Not just to be alive, but to be living, on purpose with purpose. Father God, there are many of us that have suffered so much heartache and pain recently. We have suffered so much that we have allowed our hopes and dreams and visions to fall asleep. To lay dormant amongst the valley of dry bones. Today, Lord, I humbly come before you and ask for your breath of life. For you to breathe into those dry and dead places in our lives that we thought were gone. Yes, Lord, we gave up. Some of us gave up and didn’t recognize it. We have just been alive but not living. We have allowed our past, people, things, and hurts and disappointments to stop us from reaching, believing, and living the life you have ordained for us. No more, Father. No more lack will we accept in our lives. No more will we be satisfied with just being alive. No, Father. We desire to live. We desire to be made whole, spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially. Lord, we speak to the dry bones in our lives. We speak to our forgotten dreams and visions. We speak to our bodies, our minds, and souls, and we command them to live, in Jesus’ name. We thank You, Lord, for breathing life into our dry bones. We thank You, for Your hand upon us, as You fulfill our promises in our lives. We are here, Lord. We give our heart and soul to You. We place our trust in You; even when we can’t trace you. In Jesus’ name, we pray and stand in agreement with. Amen. Amen. Amen.

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. It’s time to speak to our dry bones. It’s time to tell them to live once again, so we can be alive and living in our purposes and blessings. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2021
. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.