From Pity to Praise

The Power Of God’s Word

The Bible powerfully reveals God’s story and leads us to life with Jesus.

The Bible is more than literature, history, or the chronicles of a nation. It is the written Word of God to all people who believe in the authority of God’s Word, both the Old and New Testaments. They are inspired, infallible, and superior to all human authority.

God’s Word didn’t originate with any human person, but with people who spoke and wrote as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21). Although it was written by different individuals’ ideas and at different times throughout history, the Word has been transmitted to us without corruption of any essential truth.

When God revealed Himself in part through His creation and human conscience (Psalm 19:1-6: Romans 1:29), He chose to reveal His love, infinite mercy, and glorious plan of salvation through the Holy Scriptures. Both in the Old and New Testaments reveal that eternal life is offered through Jesus, the only mediator between God and humanity.

The prophet Isaiah proclaimed that “The Word of God is eternal.”

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of God endures forever” -Isaiah 40:8

In this ever-changing world, this is good news. We need the unchanging Word of God. It’s a sure thing, steadfast, true and dependable. We can trust and live by it because it will never pass away.

The purpose and power of God’s Word is for all people, at all times in every circumstance, offering life, and truth and equipping us to live fully for God.

The Word Gives Life

Scripture has been given to “make us wise for salvation through faith in Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15). Scripture contains all things necessary for salvation and provides the way to live by faith and following Jesus in obedience.

The purpose of God’s Word is to reveal the life offered to us by Jesus, it is sometimes calleded God’s love letter to us, pointing us to God’s love demonstrated by Jesus on the cross. His death and resurrection provide our salvation from sin in this life and the assurance of eternal life for all who believe.

Psalm 119 is the longest psalm but declares His word and speaks of blessing, and purity, which requires meditation, and obedience but also gives guidance and hope that’s eternal.

The Word Reveals Truth

The power of God’s Word lies in the truth it proclaims. Because Scripture is inspired and God-breathed, it’s useful for teaching, training, and guiding us in truth, it becomes a tool to reprove, convict, or rebuke so we might know and follow God’s will.

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your Word is a lamp for my feet, and light on my path.” God’s Word awakens us to our motives and attitudes, revealing what’s truly in our hearts and minds.

“For the Word of God is living and active, and sharper then any two edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart” – Hebrews 4:12

The words of scripture are given for the moments when we need direction, correction, and training. But it can also bring comfort. God’s promises remind us who we are in Christ Jesus. Scripture reveals the truth for all generations to follow.

The Wors Equips Us For Every Good Work

Paul shares the function of God’s Word in 2 Timothy 3:17, “so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” When we read the Bible, God speaks directly to us by His Holy Spirit, revealing what is right and pleasing to God. He may want to teach us something, correct a decision or action, or equip us to become more like Jesus. God’s Word teaches us how to live and build each other up, rather than tearing down.

King David knew God’s Word when he said, in Psalm 119:10-11,

“With my whole heart, I have sought you. Don’t let me wander from your commandments. I have hidden your words in my heart, that I might not sin against your statutes.”

When God’s Words get into our hearts and minds, it becomes our strength and weapon when facing the temptation to sin or do evil. Remember when Jesus was tempted by satan? He used the Word of God to defeat Him and we should too (Matthew 4:4).

Because we need to be equipped and empowered by the Word, we must spend time in scripture each day. Whether we join a Bible study, memorize and meditate on the scriptures or practice journaling sober can live by what the Bible teaches us. We need to learn from what God tells us if we are going to survive through chaotic times that want to destroy us.

Epic Baking Fail

Write about your most epic baking or cooking fail.

My most epic baking fail was when during Christmas. I had spent two weeks baking for a big family get-together. I needed to get them out of the way. I had the great idea of the plastic platter in the oven to get them out of the way.

The next morning I was making candied yams and preheated my oven of course I forgot about the treats inside. I had managed to ruin all the baking I had done very quickly.

Ugh, what a disaster. I ended up bringing a few baked items I had set aside for immediate family and friends.

The Lesson I Wish I Had Learned Earlier

Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life.

Don’t expect any relationship to make you happy because you shouldbe happy with yourself first.

Putting all your expectations on other people is a huge burden and will be impossible to achieve and it will make you act needy.

Be happy with yourself first so you can be the best version of yourself.

Peace In The Storm

If you look closely at this picture you can see a bird nestled with her young behind the waterfall sitting in peace.

Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise or trouble or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.

Peace is not the absence of conflict or merely calm circumstances, while it could include that, peace is actually the presence of God in the of those circumstances. Biblical peace is not something we create on our own, it is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. It’s shalom, wholeness, calmness, and completeness with Jesus the prince of peace. It is Jesus’s nearness that calms and gives us peace in the middle of the raging storm.

In a world of chaos, violence, sadness, and instability, along with ungodly governments, how do we know if we have that peace?

When covid happened everyone was panicking and flooding to buy toilet paper. And the government was shutting everything down, I was at peace because I had the peace of God in my heart. And I knew God would provide for my family. Yes, I came down with covid, but I was at peace God would take care of me.

I prayed daily for my family’s health, put it in God’s hands, and let it at that.

While I’m sure peace looks a bit different for each of us, here are a few of the indicators of God’s peace (or lack thereof) for me.

My ability to rest.

Rest and relaxation are often an indicator of God’s peace for me. On the flip side, a lack of peace affects my rest and makes me anxious, if I’m unsure about something God prompts me to change course. I can’t rest or feel tense so much so I feel it in my neck and shoulders. Peace and sleep seem to be connected.

My attitude.

If I am at peace with a major issue in my life my attitude usually shows it. However, a lack of peace offer affects my attitude in a negative way, irritability, and impatience are usually presence. I tend to get a little ornery. Without God’s presence and peace my small problems often become big problems and my attitude takes a turn for the worse.

A settled feeling.

Another indicator is that I ‘feel’ at peace. I feel like I can trust the outcome, no matter the results. However, for me a lack of peace is often accompanied by an unsettled feeling in the pit of my stomach. I am not able to let the issue go. I am consumed with the decision, or continue to be overwhelmed by unknowns or stresses. It feels like the Holy Spirit continues to prompt me with an unsettled feeling until I change courses or fully surrender the issue over to God and pray about it.

Joy.

Simply put, joy is an indicator of peace. Peace comes when we choose to trust God’s goodness rather than in a specific outcome we want. When I know I can be joyful no matter the outcome, then I know that’s peace.

There are many more indicators that could be shared but those are a few of the major ones for me.

Like a bird covering its nest in the raging storm, God offers His peace to us.

No matter the decisions or circumstances you face I pray you will find peace to accompany you every step of the way.

Six P’s Of God’s Presence

1. His Plan

God has had a plan for this world since He created it. You are a part of that plan and He has plans for you.

“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, plans to give you hope and a future” – Jeremiah 29:11

2. His Protection

Because He is always with us. He is also watching over us. We have a constant a mighty protector.

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you” – Genesis 28:15

3. His Provision

God is aware of all our needs and He promises to fulfill them.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus” – Philippians 4:19

4. His Peace

God’s peace enables us to meet the challenges of this world without fear or anxiety. His peace is always available to us.

“For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed, but my loving kindness will not depart from you and my covenant of peace will not be removed, says the Lord who has mercy on you” – Isaiah 54:10

5. His Power

Our God created the world and conquered death. That same power lives in us.

“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms” -Ephesians 119:20

6. His Prize

We all have the greatest treasure with us at all times: Jesus in our hearts. Our relationship with Jesus is the most valuable prize we will ever receive.

“Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, they you may win. Every man who strives in the game exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible” (crown) – 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

His plan, protection, provision, peace, power, and prize. God’s presence included all these things. But the beauty of God’s presence is not just that we have these six things to cling to, the beauty is also that God knows the way to our permanent home -heaven. He knows how to get us to the other side. Our job is to cling to His presence.

Favorite Foods

What are your favorite types of foods?

I would have to say I’m a sucker for Hungarian food from the goulash to their Kocsonya (pigs feet)

But I also have a taste for Mexican cuisine. Like Chili Rellenos and enchiladas.

I am always up to try anything new. I am constantly changing my food. Even at home, I cook different recipes. My husband always has to say “What is this now.” What’s life if you can’t try new food recipes right?

Walk or Run

How often do you walk or run?

Walking and running are both good forms of exercise. I have never been a runner. There is a saying that goes “If you see me running you better run room because something is chasing me,” that about sums it up for me.

Before My knee surgery, I was walking a mile a day, with my sweet pup. I’m still working on building that back up. But I walk solo now. I my sweet pup sayed away shortly after her 16th birthday.

Soul Searching

In each of us, there is a longing. We have been created with the desire to fulfill the longing in our souls. Nothing in this world can satisfy the longing in our soul. Jesus fills that longing in us. There were people searching for Jesus shortly after His birth, and there will always be people searching for Him. He never becomes irrelevant. He is still today what our souls are searching for.

Simply put soul searching means trying to find meaning and purpose in life. It’s all about figuring out the ‘why’ of our existence and fueling our lives with purpose and intent.

When God satisfies a soul, that soul does not stop seeking the source of satisfaction. Once an empty, longing soul tastes pleasure, it can never go back. They hunger and thirst no more. But they also hunger and thirst for more of God.

In God’s Word, those satisfied with God spend a lifetime seeking satisfaction in God. Those filled with God search for the fullness of God. Those who have found God never stop searching after Him. There’s a pursuit of God that defines believers. That’s why they keep reading the Bible again and again. There is always much more to know. Every time I read the scriptures I find something new, something I had not seen before.

My longing is not to re-experience the joy I had when I first was saved, but to experience new joy through a greater knowledge of God.

My first Bible is completely marked up, underlined, and highlighted because I was on a journey to know God better, especially to know Him as a Father.

It’s easy for some believers to lose God amid the world because life can be distracting. Busy lifestyles, social media, or the news can keep them away from knowing God in a personal relationship, which can not be achieved in any other encounter other than reading the Bible or having a deep prayer life, and allowing Him to guide them.

It is not enough to find God, we must keep finding Him. God alone is enough to satisfy all our longings.

It is not enough to find God, but we need to study God, and enjoy Him. Not only to think logical thoughts about God but to be logically on fire for God.

While the world presents an abundance of joy, pleasure and satisfaction, and delight. God and God alone is the source.

“God is not valued at all unless He is valued above all” – Augustine

If Jesus is not our greatest pursuit in life, then we don’t value Him, which means we have not found Him yet. If our souls are not hungry for Him, then we have not yet tasted the bread of life

“Make God your greatest treasure, and you will be empowered to let anything go to gain Christ” – Tozer

Being A Leader

Do you see yourself as a leader?

Being a leader means taking responsibility for both successful outcomes and mistakes.

Being a leader is someone who realizes they can make a difference. Someone who has the mindset to actively seek to inspire, empower, and guide others towards a shared goal. It’s someone who embodies values and actions that foster trust and motivate those around them to reach their full potential.

I see myself as a gentle leader. Through my ability to empathize with people. I have an unwavering faith that people tend to draw strength from.

Are You Afraid To Die?

I have met many people in my walk with God, who are afraid to die. Including God-fearing people.

The Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians,

“For He must reign until He had put His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death.”

We have been created to live. It was the fall into sin that brought death to our lives. So, it’s natural to fear death, which can be painful and terrifying. But Jesus came to set us free from sin and the threat of death. He gave up His life for our sake, and then rose from the dead, so

“this perishable body will have become imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then what is written will happen, death is swallowed up in victory” – 1 Corinthians 15:54

Only the Lord can take away our fear of death. We have the guarantee that even as we near death, we don’t have to be afraid because God will be there with us and will take us with Him.

My favorite Word

What’s your favorite word?

My favorite word is peace. Peace is a solid enduring relationship of harmonious living together, based on respect, serenity, and mutual understanding.

Having rest, quiet, and stillness in our hearts. It doesn’t mean the absence of trouble, but it exists despite trouble.

The peace of God means that there is nothing -no sin, no guilt, no condemnation that separates us from God.

Who’s In Charge?

Are you used to getting your way? Do you insist on ‘my way or the highway?’ The greatest One to ever walk the earth was – Jesus -who was the complete opposite. He saw His own excruciating crucifixion for our sins approaching. But instead of demanding His own way, He humbly prayed to God the Father, “Not My will, by Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Who’s in charge of your life? Your answer affects your eternal destiny.

God is the creator and owner of the world.

Psalm 47:7 says,

“For God is the King of all the earth. Sing praises and understanding.”

Many scriptures in the Bible emphasize this point, that God Almighty is the ruler, the king, the absolute sovereign over all the earth. There are no exceptions. He is the ruler of all.

Every aspect of this earth falls under God’s authority,

“The earth is the Lord’s with its fullness, the world, and those who dwell in it” – Psalm 24:1

He has the indisputable right to rule the earth as He sees fit. He is all-wise, all-knowing, and always make the right choices and decisions.

The very first chapter in the Bible says,

“And God said, Let there be light, and there was light” – Genesis 1:3

The unlimited power of God is seen throughout Genesis and that power is seen repeatedly in brief but infinitely powerful phases. God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light immediately. Each time God spoke the command “Let there be,” another aspect of His creation came to pass, pinnacling in the creator the first man and woman, Adam and Eve. The sun, moon, and stars were an afterthought. Imagine that! Just by speaking, He created a trillion times a trillion stars or more. Space.com in 2017 it says it estimated that there are at least 1.000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 stars in the universe and Psalm 147:4 says that God, “Counts the number of the stars. He calls them all by their name.”

Jesus was the Co-Creator with God the Father

“God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and many ways, had at the end of these days spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world” -Hebrews 1:1-2

Before coming to earth some 2,000 years ago, in His pre-incarnate state, Jesus the Son of God was known as “The Word“ (John 1:1-14). The Bible says that the word Son was directly involved in creation: “Through His Son also He made the universe… Through Him, all things were made…all things have been created through Him.”

The scriptures give us a clear picture of the full Deity of the Son of God. John was speaking of Jesus when he said in John 1:1, 14,

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth”

That is why the Bible can require, with no slight to God the Father, that,

“that all who honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him” -John 5:23

There is a universal failing of every false religion in the denial of the full Deity of Jesus.

In Matthew 28:18 in the Messianic translation,

“Yeshua came to them and spoke to them saying, “All authority had been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”

Just think of some things Jesus did while on earth 20 centuries ago. He calmed the furious storm. He walked on water. He fed a group of 5,000 and another group of 4,000 by miraculously multiplying a few loads of bread and a handful of fish. He healed multitudes of sick people. He touched and healed a leper. He cast out demons out of many. He even raised the dead on several occasions.

Then Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again from the dead, having in this way opened the door to ‘eternal salvation’ for all those who would come to Him in faith and repentance (Acts 20;21).

Jesus is King. He is Lord, He is the Son of God, coequal Deity with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. He is to be revived, loved, honored, and obeyed in every detail.

The answer to the question: Who is in charge? Jesus Christ, God’s Son.