From Pity to Praise

Our Purpose In God’s Plan

A sense of purpose is central to a productive, joy filled life. People with a strong sense of purpose tend to live longer than those who feel aimless. But, what if we’re feeling lost and unsure about what we’re meant to do with our lives?

What is our purpose in God’s plan?

We all experience discouragement and self-doubt from time to time. However, it doesn’t mean we aren’t living in God’s purpose. I

For many years I felt worthless and felt I had no purpose on earth. I had no idea God was working behind in scenes. It’s helpful to think about the overall patterns that characterize our lives and mindset.

Sometimes we can see some signs that we aren’t fulfilling our purpose in God’s plan. Like waking up dreading the day ahead. Life can be full of mundane tasks, that don’t excite us. I make it a point to show kindness, and help someone every day. Its my way of doing something for God. Whether it’s buying the person’s coffee behind me at the store, or letting someone cut in front me at the grocery store who has fewer items than me. I make it a goal to bless someone every day.

If we feel drudge every day we are living in the joy and fulfillment we should feel when we are living in God’s purpose. Everything we do should be for the glory of God, and part of a greater calling.

Another sign is that we become complacent with sin. We shouldn’t be comfortable with sin in our lives. This doesn’t mean we don’t sin, or become instantly sin-free, Every day we sin we should run to the cross and ask for forgiveness and then turn away from that sin, striving not to sin anymore. We should have the motivation and power to fight sin and strive for holiness. 1 Corinthians 15:35 NIV puts it bluntly, “Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning.”

The Bible makes no bones about it. We should work to root out sin in our lives and put on the righteousness of Jesus.

If we don’t have hope for the future we are not living for the purpose of God. Some people think being hopeful about the future is foolish optimism, but hoping is so much more.

When we trust God with our future, there are plenty of reasons to have hope. We become forward thinkers. My ultimate hope is that one day I will get to see Jesus face to face and enjoy heaven. There is hope on earth as I learn and grow, and contribute good things to the people around me.

If we are not living out our purpose for God’s plan we will feel aimless. Sometimes we can feel like we are just “spinning our wheels” and not getting anywhere.

When we are fulfilling our purpose, we shouldn’t feel like we’re merely drifting through life. Instead, we should know what goals we were working toward, and these goals should motivate us every day.

There are some things we can do to fulfill God’s purposes in our lives.

Reading the Bible every day instead of having it collect dust on a shelf. The Bible is like ignoring messages from a good friend and then complaining that you never hear from them. If we want to hear from God we should read out Bible

Another way to discover and fulfill our purpose in God’s plan is to ask for direction. The Bible tells us to ask God for what we need, so when we need direction we should ask for it with prayer. Along with reading the Bible prayer can provide valuable insight to help us live out our purpose every day.

We need to draw on our God given passions. God had given each of us talents and interests. Part of fulfilling God’s purpose for your life is finding ways to draw on those passions to give the works something only you can. We each have a gift God has given us finding ways to use these gifts leads to a purposeful life.

The Bible isn’t just an important historical document or full of interesting stories it’s full of life-giving truth we can use to find direction and fulfill our purpose.

Romans 8:28 says, ‘We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose.” It is key to remember that God’s purpose in what matters.

Scripture tells ux we can trust God to name good on His promises and fulfill His promises in our lives. We only need to trust Him and live our lives according to His will.

Ask God to reveal His purpose for your life and to steer you in that direction. You may discover a calling in your life that gives you a sense of purpose you’ve been missing. Or, God may remind you of how what you’re doing matters as you can experience a renewed sense of motivation in your life.

Inviting Someone To Dinner

If you could host a dinner and anyone you invite was sure to come, who would you invite?

I think if I could invite anyone to dinner. I would invite my nagymama. To sit down with her and have coffee and have her share some Hungarian recipes with me, like Kocsonya in American words it’s is jellied pig feet. which sounds gross, but it’s absolutely delicious. This along with Pogacsa pork crackling buiscuits.

And maybe a story or two about the old country -Budapest.

When we are younger, we don’t realize the things we can learn from our elders. There is so much time lost, so many memories lost, so much wisdom lost.

Fear, Control, And The Illusion Of Safety

There was a time when we lived with eternity in mind. When life had meaning beyond the present, choices carried weight, and faith shaped how we lived. But there has been a shift and this life has become all there is.

Comfort, safety, and control seems to have replaced faith, and fear has become the guiding force to all of our decisions. The world has become obsessed with preserving what people have, rather than repairing for what’s ahead.

Just a few years ago Covid shattered our illusion of control. Fear took over, and people surrendered not just their freedoms, but their need for self-sufficiency. People obeyed, not because they trusted, but because they were afraid. Fear told them safety was the highest priority, that security was worth the cost. We were told it was for our good, but was it?

People convinced themselves that if they could predict, control, and minimize risk, then they could eliminate uncertainty. But were we really in control.

It’s really no surprise that our fears dictate our decisions, and then we become prisoners of a false sense of security. We lock ourselves in cages built by our own anxiety.

A lot has happened since then. The illusion is cracking. People are waking up. The systems that were built on fear are being exposed. We have begun to see how easily we were tricked, and how fear dictated our choices, and how we traded truth for security. When people thought they were protecting themselves, they were handing over control.

Do we continue chasing the illusion or do we reject all authority, grasping at things with no foundation? Or do we surrender-not to fear, because fear was a lie. The question remains whether we were ever really in control.

Fear is a potent tool used by the government and media outlets to influence behavior. This manipulation is often referred to as “fearmongering,” It involves exaggerating potential threats or negative outcomes to sway people’s decisions and actions, sometimes even overriding rational judgment. The illusion of control is another tactic that suggests a sense of order and predictability that was shattered by the covid “pandemic, leading to a reliance on narratives that shape our understanding of the world.

But we can combat this fear-based manipulation. We need to understand that loss is a natural part of life and is not something to be feared. If you had read the Bible you may know that we can make choices to whether or end up in heaven or hell.

We must quantify threats. By assessing the likelihood of a threat we can respond before reacting to fear. We can seek reliable information. Avoid relying solely on media-fed conclusions and seek diverse perspectives.

Another way to combat fear-based manipulation is to resist the herd. Recognize the bandwagon effect and be willing to question everything. What is your “gut” saying to you?

We all have critical thinking skills to evaluate information. Think for yourself. Don’t trust what someone is saying or telling you. Challenge everything -challenge manipulation.

Many times we prioritize human-led solutions to problems and potentially overlook how God’s willingness to play a role in our lives.

Even when life seems confusing or scary it’s important to remember that God is wiser and more capable than we are at navigating our complexities.

Trusting God is an active choice and it’s something that can be cultivated even when we face difficult times.

Getting Better With Age

What do you think gets better with age?

One thing that has gotten better with age is, I’m more at peace. Things don’t bother me like they used to.

our cognitive abilities and emotional intelligence improve. There are many things that get better with age. Just like fine wine, experience and wisdom enhances our understanding of the world and.

The Peace Of God

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, finding peace can seem like an exclusive pursuit.

But what if I told you that there’s a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that is available regardless of circumstances?

When we think of peace, we often think about a place in life where there is no conflict or turmoil. But biblical peace goes beyond any external tranquility we can find got ourselves. It’s a deep sense of calm and contentment that can only be found in a relationship with God.

There are key understandings that guide us in our journey to finding true peace.

Trust God for Peace

Trusting God is essential for finding true peace. Isaiah 26:3 tells us the 1st key: keep your mind focused on God and trust in Him.

“You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord, is everlasting peace.”

When we trust in God, we can surrender our worries and fears to Him, knowing that He is in control. The act of surrender allows you to experience a deep sense of peace that surpasses human understanding. It’s a peace that brings comfort, reassurance, and a steadfast hope.

Trusting in God involves relying on His promises, His faithfulness, and His love. It means acknowledging that He knows what is best and His plans are good and purposeful.

When we are in the middle of difficult circumstances, when we choose to trust in God, He empowers our walk in resilience and serenity.

However, choosing to trust in God requires a shift in our perspective. It means shifting our focus from our problems and uncertainty to the One who holds all things together. As we anchor our trust in God, He invites His peace to rule in our hearts and minds, guiding our thoughts, decisions, and actions.

Trusting in God brings peace in times of uncertainty, strength in times of adversity, hope in the face of challenges, rest for our weary souls, and assurance of His faithfulness.

I’m not saying trusting in God is easy, especially when our circumstances seem overwhelming. But, I’ve learned as I’ve strengthened my trust in Him through prayer, meditation in His Word, and relying on His Holy Spirit I’ve experienced the depths of His peace.

When we let trust become our foundation, we can build a life filled with tranquility and hope.

2. Jesus: The Giver of Lasting Peace

When it comes to peace, Jesus is the ultimate source. Unlike the temporary peace that the world gives us, Jesus offers a lasting transformative peace that can calm our troubled hearts and dispel fear. John 14:27 tells us that Jesus assures us of His gift of peace.

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you, not as the world gives, I give give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.”

To truly experience the peace that Jesus offers, we must first acknowledge Him as the source and surrender our worries and anxieties to Him. When we do we can find peace and rest.

Then it becomes a deep sense of well-being that originates from a relationship with Him.

3. The Gift of Peace: Jesus

We can fully embrace the gift of peace that Jesus offers us by trusting in Him and believing that His peace is available to us.

Releasing our worries and anxiety to Jesus gives a deep knowing that He really does care for us.

Praying for peace, when we engage in prayer, and seek God’s peace and asking Him to fill our hearts with His calming presence.

I have a strategy that I use when I start getting overwhelmed. It’s a simple exercise I do that I learned from a friend. Breath in, think of that breath as God’s light or peace being breathed in. And then when I exhale that breath I think about exhaling the stress of what I am overwhelmed by.

Mediating on scripture. Spend some time reading and reflecting on God’s Word. Allow His promises of peace to enter your mind and soul.

Practice gratitude. Some might think this is a small thing, but an attitude of gratitude goes a long way. Focus on your blessings in life rather than dwelling on negativity.

4. Pursuing Peace Through Action

Peace is not something that we accidentally stumble upon, it must be an intentional pursuit. In order to truly experience peace in our lives, we must actively seek it.

Psalm 34:14 gives us a guide in our pursuit of peace. It instructs us to “depart from evil, and do good. Seek peace, and pursue it.”

When we choose to depart from evil, we distance ourselves from actions and behaviors that disrupt peace. By embracing goodness, we foster an environment of harmony and tranquility.

“If it costs you your peace, it’s too expensive.”

But it doesn’t stop there. Peace requires an ongoing effort. We are encouraged to actively engage in actions that promote reconciliation, understanding, and unity.

Seeking peace through action involves fostering healthy relationships, resolving conflicts with love and forgiveness, and promoting justice and equality. It requires us to be peacemakers, to actively contribute to the well being of others and society as a whole.

Our actions have the power to seek peace and create a ripple effect that transcends borders and cultures.

I think one of the most effective ways to pursue peace is to lead by example. By embodying a few principles of peace on our own lives, we can become beacons of hope and inspiration of others.

By actively choosing peace and demonstrating it in our daily interactions, we can set the stage for dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation. Our actions and words have the power to heal wounds, bridge gaps, and cultivate a culture of peace.

5. The Fruit Of Peace

The peace in our lives as followers of Jesus is a result of the Holy Spirit’s presence within us. When we invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts, we open ourselves up to His transformative power, and one of the most beautiful fruits He produces in us is peace.

In Galatians 5:22-23 Paul writes about the fruits of the Holy Spirit including peace,

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.”

The fruit of peace of the Holy Spirit means that as we yield to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, we experiment a deep sense of tranquility. This peace doesn’t come from our circumstances, but the presence of God Himself within us.

Jesus promised His disciples that He would give them His peace. A peace that is unlike anything the world can offer. This is the same peace that the Holy Spirit produces in us when we surrender our lives to Him.

The Holy Spirit’s work of cultivating peace in us involves transforming our hearts, minds, and attitudes. He helps us to let go of anxiety, fear, worry, and replaces them with His calming presence and the assurance of God’s faithfulness.

When we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and produce the fruit of peace, we can experience a profound sense of well being, even in the middle of challenging circumstances. This peace enables us to face trials with confidence and to exhibit Christ like love and kindness to those around us.

Understanding The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit works alongside God and Jesus as Jesus’s presence in the world. He is the Jesus said he would send to be our helper, comforter, our advocate to teach, guide, and remind us of Jesus’s teachings.

In John 14:16-17 Jesus says He would ask the Father to send us another advocate to help us and be with us forever.

The world cannot accept Him, because they neither see Him nor know Him. But, as followers saved by God, we know He is in our lives as a guide and empowers and transforms us. He resides within us as the seal of salvation. He leads us to the truth and provides wisdom for our decisions.

He can equip us with spiritual gifts such as teaching, and prophecy. He transforms us by producing spiritual fruit in us. He intercedes for us when we have no words for our prayer.

I know the Holy Spirit is guiding my decisions when my stomach gets tied up in knots. It is the way He communicates with me when He is guiding me in truth and direction. It’s a feeling of peace or unrest. It can be the Holy Spirit’s way of confirming a decision, warning against a path, or nudging toward action.

He can use discernment. I’ve learned to distinguish their prompting through prayer, scripture, and experience. For example: a feeling of peace affirms my choice, while an uneasy feeling can signal caution.

However, discernment is key to enduring the gut feeling that aligns with scripture and just isn’t emotion or circumstance.

Sleep Habits

What time do you go to bed and wake up currently?

They tells us sleep is essential for good health, that inadequate sleep can lead to various issues, and chronic disease.

I don’t think my body got that memo. I have been sleeping between 3-5 hours of sleep with a Power Nap sometimes in the afternoon. I hit the bed about 11 PM and wake up between 3 and 4 AM.

I have tried to sleep longer but I either wake up with a headache or backache. I’ve been checking by a dr and a sleep study and everything is fine. The doctors want to prescribe sleeping pills but I feel drugged for a day afterwards. It’s not worth it to me.

I figure that’s how God made me, and he has by back so, I’m good.

Comfortable life

What strategies do you use to increase comfort in your daily life?

When life gets rough, we all want things to make us better. I rely on Jesus‘s words. “ peace I live with you, my peace I give you. Not as the world gives to I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

When life gets rough, I go to the Bible. along with coffee, hot baths. long walks, and a glass of wine from time to time.

Live By Faith Not By Sight

We are all moved by what we see. Our emotions, thoughts, and actions are processed through by what our eyes tell us. However, our best decisions we will ever make are the ones we make when we live by faith and not sight.

I am an analytical person, I approach problems by breaking them down into small parts and using logic to understand them. But I have not always been this way. For years I made decisions based on my emotions, and feelings. But, I’ve learned a few things since then.

There are times I find myself falling back into my old ways. Especially when it comes to my children. I definitely still have that “momma protective instinct” going on.

But it is only through faith that the impossible becomes possible. And sometimes it seems completely ridiculous the things that God asks us to do. But, I can tell you I’ve never regretted anything that God asks me to do. If I had chosen to make decisions based on what I saw or my emotions I wouldn’t be where I am today. If I chose to not walk by faith, I would never have seen God’s mighty hand move in my life.

God had brought miracles to my life. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.” When we choose to see through our eyes, we limit God’s ability to do wonders. God is able to do more than what we can ever imagine.

God asks us to step out in faith because it’s only through faith that God can be glorified. If life always happened the way we expected it to happen, there wouldn’t be a need for God to do miracles. When we live by faith, our, lives become a testimony to God’s Almighty power.

God wants to do miracles in our lives, but we just step out on faith to see God move, if we continue to do things our way, how can we expect to see God’s hand?

Crowns In Heaven

Rewards in heaven glorify God and provide us with joy, comma peace, and wonder as we pursue godly, living and surrendering to God‘s work in us and through us. Rewards in heaven are the completion of our earthly salvation experience and those rewards will be eternally satisfying.

There are 5 heavenly crowns mentioned in the New Testament that will be awarded to believers. The translation of the word “Stephanos for crown means “a badge of royalty. It is referred to a wreath or garland of leaves placed on a victors head as a reward for winning an athletic contest. This word is used figuratively in the New Testament of the rewards in heaven God promises to those who are faithful.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 defines how these crowns are awarded.

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competed for the prize is disciplined in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”

The Crown Of Rejoicing

The purpose: the apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4 to “rejoice always in the Lord, Again I will say rejoice. For all the bountiful blessings God has showered on us. As followers of God, we have more in this life to rejoice about than anyone else.

God’s unchanging Love and Presence. We can rejoice in the assurance that God love is steadfast and eternal. His presence is always with us, offering comfort and guidance -Matthew 28:20.

Salvation and Forgiveness. We can celebrate the gift of salvation which brings forgiveness of sins, and reconciliation with God -Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:1.

Hope in Eternal Life. We can rejoice in the promise of eternal life, and the hope of a future with God, freedom from pain and suffering -John 3:16, Revelation 21:4.

The Holy Spirit’s Guidance. We can be glad for the Holy Spirit, who empowers,guides, and strengthens us to live out our faith -John 14:26, Galatians 5:22-23.
God’s Provision and Care. We can thank God for his daily provision, physical and emotional and spiritual. And trusting He will meets our needs - Philippians 4:19, Matthew 6:33.

Peace in the Midst of Chaos. In a world of uncertainty, we can rejoice in the peace that God surpasses all understanding -Philippians 4:6-7

2. The Crown Of Righteousness

The purpose: we inherit this crown through righteousness of Jesus which is what gives us the right to it, and without it, it cannot be obtained. It is an everlasting crown that is promised to all who love the Lord Jesus and eagerly wait for His return. Through our enduring discouragement, persecutions, sufferings, and even death, we know surely our reward is with Jesus in eternity.

In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul tells us,

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

As followers of Jesus, we become citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we can eagerly wait for him to return as our savior. Then He will take our weak mortal body and change them into glorious bodies like His own, using the same power with which He will bring everything under His control - Philippians 3:21-21 (paraphrased).

When we finish the race, we will get the reward.

3. The Crown Of Life

The purpose: This crown is for all followers of Jesus we know that our earthly lives will end. But we have the amazing promise that comes to those who come to God through Jesus. This is a promise that He has promised us in eternal life -1 John 2:25.

This crown will also be given to those who successfully under temptation and suffering, who bravely confront persecution for Jesus, even to the point of death.

James 1:12 tells us,

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he had been approve He will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

Revelation 2: 10-11 says,

“Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.”

“Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown” -Revelation 3:11

4. The Crown Of InCorruption Or Imperishable Crown

The purpose: this crown is for exercising liberty by living a life of disciplined endurance. Jesus provided us an example of such a life.

In 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, Paul tells us,

“I do not run like someone running aimlessly. I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” – NIV

To reward the winner of an Olympic type race. Such as reward points to a permanent honor that Jesus will bestow upon those who live life by the Holy Spirit restraint, which keeps them qualified for ministry.

We should deny ourselves for God, glory that we might be honored at the judgment seed of Christ.

5. The Crown Of Glory

The purpose: This crown is a permanent honor that Jesus will bestow on leaders in the church who diligently disciple God’s people for our growth and maturity.

This is for teachers, preachers etc… who live a steadfast life to live out their calling in service to others.

Rewards in heaven glorify God, and provide us with joy, peace, and wonder as we pursue godly, living and surrendering to God’s work in us and through us. Rewards in heaven are the completion of our earthly salvation, and both awards will be eternally satisfying (Psalm 16.11).

Excited For The Future

What are you most excited about for the future?

In times of rapid tech advancements, global crisis and social upheavals along with negative news and a sense of collective anxiety among people around us all. It might be difficult to be excited about anything these days.

Finding faith in the middle of the chaos can be difficult. But, excites me. Knowing Jesus will return soon excites me.

Harmony

What could you let go of, for the sake of harmony?

Over the years, I have learned that to have a peaceful life I need to let go of grudges, expectations, or resentment. It’s about prioritizing balance over being right or holding onto pain.

Forgiving someone who hurts or wrongs us never means that we condom their actions it’s about choosing to be free from the resentment.

Holding on to grudges, and not forgiving others can cause sickness. It hurts us, not the other person.