When Faith Becomes the Budget

Beth Herrington Kruprzak

There are seasons when God’s provision looks different than what we once knew. Bruce’s official separation from Ohio Central has brought us into one of those seasons—a time of learning to live on less and to depend more fully on God’s daily care. With a decrease of more than 40% in income and the loss of both health and life insurance coverage, it would be easy to let fear take root. Yet even here, we can clearly see the hand of God at work.

Before any of these changes took place, God had already gone ahead of us. The full VA coverage provided for Bruce’s needs has been a tremendous blessing and a reminder that the Lord truly prepares the way before His children.

“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you.” — Deuteronomy 31:8, ESV

Though we didn’t know what the coming months would hold, He did—and He has been faithful to provide exactly what we need. Looking back, I see small evidences of His care scattered everywhere: the unexpected discount on a bill, a neighbor’s kindness, a friend who called right when I needed prayer. God has been quietly faithful, providing manna for each day rather than a storehouse for the year.

Still, this hasn’t been easy. We had thought the money we had set aside and the disability program would carry us through a time like this. But those provisions proved less secure than we had hoped. Watching our savings dwindle has been humbling. Each withdrawal felt like a test of faith. It made me realize how much comfort and security I had unknowingly placed in that balance rather than in God’s promises.

I had to face the truth that even though I trusted God in word, I was still depending on the numbers in our account to make me feel safe. But God, in His love, has a way of loosening our grip on temporary securities so we can take hold of eternal ones.

There are moments when disappointment rises, and I feel the weight of uncertainty pressing down. Yet, in those very moments, God gently reminds me of His care—as if to whisper, “Oh you of little faith, do you not yet see My hand in this too?”

Psalm 119 has become my steady companion in this season. Over and over, the psalmist points back to the steadfastness of God’s Word and the need to trust in it even when we don’t understand the path before us:

“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.” — Psalm 119:67, ESV
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105, ESV

Those words speak right into the heart of waiting, of letting go, and of learning that the lamp of His Word often lights only the next step—not the whole road.

When I grow frustrated, God gently asks me to look deeper: “What are your heart’s desires? Are they truly what I want for you?” He’s teaching me to surrender what I thought I needed and to realign my focus toward what truly matters—His truth, His peace, and His presence.

“Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” — Psalm 119:36–37, ESV
“Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.” — Psalm 37:4–5, ESV

Each time I bring my worries to prayer, the Lord tenderly reminds me that His way is not about fear but faith, not about control but surrender.

I’ve decided not to continue my own health coverage, which would have consumed nearly 45% of our current income. That decision doesn’t come from recklessness, but from prayerful trust. I’m relying on God to provide if health needs arise and to give me wisdom and strength each day.

“And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong.” — Isaiah 58:11, ESV

I’m also learning that my real security is not found in a savings account or an insurance policy—but in the One who holds my life in His hands.

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19, ESV
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33, ESV

The Lord is redirecting my heart toward deeper things. With fewer financial resources, we’ve discovered we have more time—time to be together, time to be still, time to cherish what lasts. The slower pace has opened opportunities to nurture relationships that had been neglected during busy working years.

We are rediscovering the beauty of simple joys: unhurried meals shared with family, the laughter of grandchildren, long conversations that heal old distances, and quiet evenings that give space for gratitude. These are the treasures that money cannot buy and time often steals away.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” — Ephesians 5:15–16, ESV
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” — Romans 12:10, ESV

I see now that God is using this financial pruning to produce spiritual fruit—patience, humility, and gratitude. I’m learning that it’s not the abundance in my wallet but the abundance of His presence that sustains peace.

“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.” — Psalm 119:71, ESV
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22–23, ESV

Through every adjustment and moment of doubt, I’ve come to see that God’s faithfulness hasn’t changed—only my perspective has. Living with less has become living with more: more gratitude, more faith, and more awareness of His daily care.

Even when I can’t see the way ahead, His Word lights just enough of the path for me to keep walking—one trusting step at a time.

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23:1, ESV
“Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.” — Isaiah 26:4, ESV

Lord, thank You for being our steady provider when earthly securities fade. Teach us to trust You when the numbers don’t add up, and to find joy not in possessions but in Your presence. Help us to use this season to build stronger relationships, deepen our gratitude, and align our hearts with Yours.

When fear whispers that there won’t be enough, remind us that You are always enough. When disappointment stirs, turn our eyes toward the blessings already before us. May every loss reveal a new layer of Your faithfulness, and may our hearts rest in the truth that You never fail to provide.

When Those We Love Drift from Truth

 

Beth Herrington Kruprzak

Lately, our family has been walking through some very difficult days. We have loved ones facing life-threatening diseases, and the uncertainty feels like a heavy fog pressing against our hearts—blinding us to what’s ahead and leaving us struggling to find our footing. When someone we love is fighting for their life, it strips away all the trivial things and brings into sharp focus what truly matters — the eternal condition of the soul.  This past Wednesday this was the very topic of our study at church.

Physical illness often makes us face spiritual realities. As we pray for healing, we also pray for hearts to be right with God. Yet sometimes, what hurts even more than seeing a body grow weak is watching a spirit grow distant from the Lord. We ache not only for physical restoration but for spiritual awakening — for loved ones who are drifting from truth or refusing to see how far they’ve separated themselves from God’s light.

It’s in those moments of heartache that Paul’s words to the Galatians come alive. He wrote not as a detached teacher, but as a deeply concerned friend — one whose heart was breaking over those he loved.

We cannot compromise the truth to keep peace. Real love is courageous — it risks misunderstanding to protect what is eternal. Paul asked, “Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (v. 16).
When we speak God’s truth to someone we love, our goal isn’t to prove we’re right but to invite them back to what is right. Sometimes love looks like gentle confrontation, spoken through tears and prayer.

When people turn from God, it’s rarely about lack of knowledge. It’s about the heart’s direction — pride, pain, or distraction pulling them away from truth. Paul saw that clearly. The Galatians were being misled not by stronger theology, but by misplaced affection.

When those we love drift spiritually, we must pray for heart transformation — something only God can do. We can’t argue anyone back into faith. We can, however, love them, live truth before them, and ask the Holy Spirit to soften what has become hard.

Paul reminded the Galatians of their shared history: “You would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me.” (v. 15)
He appealed to love, not logic. When we reach out to those who are struggling, our shared memories, laughter, and tears can become bridges for truth. Sometimes the most powerful gospel witness begins not with a sermon, but with a simple, “I love you too much not to say this.”

Jesus warned us that the world hated Him — and it will hate those who follow Him (John 15:18–19). That includes rejection from people we love. It’s one of the hardest realities of living differently for Christ. But we can’t let fear of rejection silence the truth.

Even if our words aren’t received now, they can become seeds that God will water later. Our responsibility is faithfulness, not outcome.

When we confront deception or sin, our motive should never be to fix people for our own comfort. We should want God’s best for them — freedom, peace, and salvation. Paul’s desire was not to gain followers, but that “Christ [would] be formed in you.” (v. 19)

Our hearts break because we long to see our loved ones whole — both physically and spiritually. Even as disease and pain threaten the body, we know eternal life and hope come only through surrender to Christ.

We are called to love in truth. To pray with tears. To hold firm in grace. And even when rejected, to keep loving faithfully.

As we face the frailty of life through illness in our family, the message of Galatians 4:12–20 reminds us that eternal healing matters most. While we pray for bodies to be restored, we also pray for hearts to be redeemed.

Our love should never be silent, nor our truth harsh. It is in the balance of grace and honesty that Christ’s character is revealed through us.

Let us keep loving, keep praying, and keep standing for truth — trusting that God’s word will do what only He can do.

How You Can Know You Are a Child of God: Living Without Fear of Death

 

Whether people admit it or not, the fear of death influences nearly everything humanity does. Some people strive to leave a legacy — to be remembered by their children, grandchildren, or by the world for something they accomplished. Others pour their energy into creativity — writing books, building monuments, or crafting their names into history.
Even those who commit evil atrocities often do so in a twisted desire to be known and remembered.

The fear of being forgotten is deeply connected to the fear of ceasing to exist — the fear that our lives will have meant nothing.

But when you are a child of God, the fear of death loses its power.
Because for the believer, death is not an end — it’s a homecoming.

The good news of the Gospel is that you don’t have to guess whether you are a child of God. God does not leave His children in confusion.
Unlike the religions of the world — many of which are built on the uncertainty of whether you have done enough, prayed enough, or been good enough — Christian faith offers assurance.

False religions and counterfeit gospels (many with roots in the Middle East or the Far East, or modernized “spiritual” movements that add to or distort Scripture) are based on works — what you must achieve to earn favor.
But the Gospel of Christ is based on grace — what God has already done for you through Jesus.

When you are born again through faith in Christ, you are adopted into the family of God. You are no longer a slave to fear.
You are a child — fully loved, fully known, and fully secure.

Paul’s words are both simple and sobering:

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)

How do you know if you are a child of God?
Ask yourself: Am I being led by the Spirit, or by my flesh?

The person led by the Spirit of God lives differently from the world. Their decisions, their desires, and their direction begin to reflect the nature of the One who lives in them.

Being led by the Spirit doesn’t mean we never fail — it means that when we do, we are convicted, not comfortable in sin.
It means we seek peace not in indulgence, but in obedience.
We no longer act on impulse or emotion alone. Instead, we pause — we ask what pleases God, what aligns with His Word, what reflects His heart.

The flesh seeks to fill its emptiness with temporary things:

• Pleasure
• Food
• Entertainment
• Sex
• Achievement
• Control

But the Spirit seeks to fill us with eternal things:

• Peace that surpasses understanding
• Joy that endures suffering
• Love that extends beyond offense
• Hope that outlives this world

If you are led by the Spirit, your desires begin to change — not instantly perfect but consistently pointed toward heaven.

Adoption changes everything.
When you are adopted, your identity, inheritance, and future are secured — not by your worthiness, but by the will of the One who chose you.

Through the Spirit of adoption, we cry, “Abba! Father!”
That is not a formal prayer — it’s the cry of intimacy and belonging. It’s the voice of a child who knows they are loved.

And because we are children, we are also heirs — promised a future that is unshakable.

“Provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:17)

Even suffering becomes evidence of our belonging.
The Spirit in us gives us strength to endure hardship with hope rather than despair. We may grieve, but not as those who have no hope. We may die, but never as those who are lost.

When you know you are a child of God, you live with assurance rather than anxiety.
Death loses its sting because it cannot take what Christ has already secured.
You begin to live not for legacy, but for eternity.

The goal of life is not to be remembered by the world — it’s to be known by God.
You are not defined by what you leave behind, but by Who is waiting for you ahead.

When that truth takes root, you can face the end of your days with peace — not because of what you have done, but because of Whose you are.

1. Do I live more influenced by the Spirit or by my impulses?
2. Do I seek peace through obedience or through comfort?
3. When I think of death, do I fear losing my life — or do I look forward to going home?
4. Is my goal to be remembered on earth, or to be received in heaven?

The Spirit of God does not leave His children wondering.
If you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ — if you trust Him as Lord and Savior, and your heart longs to live in step with His Word — then you are a child of God.
The Spirit within you bears witness with your spirit, whispering truth when doubts rise:

“You belong to Me.”

So live today with peace.
You have nothing to fear in death — because you are already alive in Him.

Romans 8:12–18 (ESV)

So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Filtering Our Thinking Through God’s Truth

 

Beth Herrington Kruprzak 2025

As autumn settles in, the air grows cooler, the trees blaze with color, and creation displays God’s artistry in every leaf that falls. There’s something peaceful about this time of year — the rhythm of change, the crisp mornings, the comfort of warm drinks and quiet reflection. The beauty of creation reminds us that God is still at work, renewing, restoring, and revealing His presence in the details of our world.

But alongside this season of beauty comes another influence — one that often disguises darkness in the costume of fun. As October arrives, so do the decorations of ghosts, witches, and images that glorify fear, death, and superstition. What the world calls playful or harmless, God’s Word warns us to discern.
This is where our thinking must be carefully filtered — through the lens of truth, not cultural tradition or emotional appeal.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
— Romans 12:2 (ESV)

We are constantly surrounded by voices — news, entertainment, social media, and even well-meaning people — all offering opinions about what is right and true. Without realizing it, we start filtering information through what feels right to me instead of what is right before God.

Faulty thinking says:

• If it feels good, it must be okay.
• Everyone else is doing it, so it’s probably harmless.
• I can separate fun from faith — it doesn’t really affect me.

But Scripture teaches that our thoughts shape our actions, and our actions reveal our heart. When we allow worldly ideas or cultural trends to guide us, our thinking becomes distorted. We begin to live by half-truths and illusions, much like the playful deception that Halloween celebrates — tricks that appear innocent but mask a deeper distortion of truth.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
— Proverbs 14:12 (ESV)

God’s Word does not shift with the seasons or change with popular opinion. His truth remains steady, clear, and trustworthy. It leads us away from confusion and toward understanding, away from illusion and into light.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
— Psalm 119:105 (ESV)

When we run every idea, tradition, and belief through the filter of Scripture, we discover that truth doesn’t always align with what we want to believe — but it always leads to what will bring peace, joy, and life. God’s Word purifies our thoughts like a refining fire, removing the impurities of pride, fear, and deception.

“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”
— Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)

Halloween is a clear example of how the world often blurs the line between darkness and light. What began as superstition has been dressed up as entertainment — and yet, beneath the costumes and candy lies a fascination with death, fear, and evil. The enemy delights in convincing us that darkness is harmless if we laugh at it, or that sin is manageable if we rename it “fun.”

But light and darkness cannot coexist. The more we accept deception, the less sensitive we become to truth. The illusion may appear playful, but the spiritual cost can be real — dulling our discernment and making light of what God calls evil.

“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”
— Ephesians 5:11 (ESV)

A biblical worldview doesn’t mean rejecting joy or imagination — it means anchoring those joys in truth. God invites us to celebrate the beauty of His creation, to enjoy fellowship, laughter, and wonder — but to do so in ways that honor Him and reflect His holiness.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
— Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

When we filter our thinking through this kind of truth, we begin to see clearly. What once seemed harmless now appears in its true light. What once felt confusing becomes clarified. The Spirit of God transforms our minds so we can live in spiritual wisdom and discernment.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh…
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God,
and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
— 2 Corinthians 10:3, 5 (ESV)

Every autumn, I’m drawn outside to the quiet beauty of falling leaves and golden light. I see God’s faithfulness written across the hills — a reminder that even in dying seasons, His glory shines. Yet, it also reminds me how easily the world can twist beauty into imitation. Just as leaves can be plastic and light can be artificial, so can our understanding of truth when it’s filtered through emotion rather than Scripture.

I’ve learned that my thoughts need constant correction. When I catch myself reasoning from preference rather than principle, I pause and ask: Does this thought align with the Word of God? If not, I surrender it and ask the Holy Spirit to renew my mind. Because the outcome of my thinking will always determine the direction of my life.

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” — John 17:17 (ESV)

More Than the Good Life

 

I recently had a conversation that really made me pause. We were talking about the difference between two groups of people: those who are nearing death with no real hope—gripped by fear and uncertainty of what happens next—and those who face the end of life with a peace, even joy, that seems unshakable.

The contrast is bewildering. How can one person be filled with fear, and another filled with confidence?

The answer is found in the gospel.

Many people know John 3:16 by heart:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, ESV)

This verse is precious and powerful. It captures God’s incredible love. Yet, if we stop reading at verse 16, we might miss the full picture. The very next verse gives even more context:

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17, ESV)

Here we see the purpose of Jesus’ coming: not condemnation, but salvation. The gospel is not merely about God loving us—it’s about God stepping into our hopeless situation and rescuing us.

It’s tempting to think of ourselves as mostly good people who just need a little help from God. But the Bible paints a different reality:

• “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23, ESV)
• “None is righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10, ESV)

Sin isn’t just about mistakes or bad habits. We are born into it. From the start, we are separated from God and unable to fix ourselves. Even the best things we do fall short:

• “All our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.” (Isaiah 64:6, ESV)

The truth is hard: our “good” is pitiful compared to God’s holiness. Left on our own, we stand guilty and condemned.

Here is where the good news of the gospel shines. The apostle Paul summarized it clearly:

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4, ESV)

This is the heart of the gospel:

1. Christ died for our sins. Jesus’ death wasn’t just an example of love—it was a substitution. He bore the penalty that we deserved.
2. He was buried. His death was real. He fully entered into the consequences of sin—death itself.
3. He was raised on the third day. His resurrection proves that God accepted the sacrifice. The debt was paid in full, and death was defeated.

Only the blood of Jesus satisfies God’s justice. Only His resurrection opens the way to eternal life.

The gospel is not a call to try harder or be better. It’s not “do this and maybe God will accept you.” Instead, it’s an announcement of what has already been done.

• “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9, ESV)

We respond not by earning, but by believing. By faith, we turn from sin and trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

The gospel is not just information to know—it is truth we are called to respond to. The Bible makes it clear that salvation is a gift, but like any gift, it must be received.

1. Acknowledge your sin.
   We can’t be saved until we admit we need saving. Romans 3:23 reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
2. Turn from sin (repent).
   Repentance means more than feeling sorry. It is a change of mind and direction—a turning away from sin and turning toward God. “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” (Acts 3:19, ESV)
3. Believe in Jesus Christ.
   Trust that His death and resurrection are enough to save you. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31, ESV)
4. Confess Him as Lord.
   Salvation is not just about forgiveness; it’s about surrender. Jesus becomes not only our Savior but our Lord. “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9, ESV)

You don’t have to use special words to come to Christ, but you can pray something like this from your heart:

“Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I cannot save myself. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and place my trust in You alone. Be my Savior and my Lord. Thank You for the gift of eternal life.”

When we place our faith in Christ, God assures us:

• “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13, ESV)
• “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” (John 3:36, ESV)

That’s the beauty of the gospel. It’s not about what we have done—it’s about what Jesus has done for us.

That is why some can face death with joy while others face it with fear. Without Christ, death is a doorway to the unknown. With Christ, death is not the end—it is the beginning of eternal life with Him.

The gospel is good news because it offers forgiveness, freedom, and eternal life in Christ. The only question is: What will you do with this good news?

Because in the end, living “the good life” is not about comfort, success, or even happiness here on earth. The true good life is only found in heaven—eternal life with Jesus Christ.