By Linda Tancs
Father Knows Best was a popular American situation comedy about a wise family man. The show’s title is a lovely sentiment, on TV and otherwise, but there’s actually only one Father who knows best (Matthew 6:7-8). Do you act like He knows best, or do you tell Him how to solve your problems? He truly knows what’s needed even before you pray about it (Psalm 139:2-4). Try listening to Him with your heart. He’s waiting to share with you what’s best for you.
By Linda Tancs
We often admonish others not to put words in our mouth, meaning that someone is falsely claiming that we said something we did not or distorting our words to make them appear to mean something different. Indeed, why rely on anyone other than God and His words. That’s what Jeremiah did when God called him to be a prophet to the nations. God put His words in Jeremiah’s mouth to accomplish His mission (Jeremiah 1:7-9). Let God be the only One putting words in your mouth.
By Linda Tancs
As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ today, we rejoice in the fact that the tomb is forever empty. It’s also a good time to reflect on emptiness. What does emptiness look like in your life? Maybe it’s an empty nest or something much more profound. Whatever it is, walk away from the emptiness into newness. Receive all that Jesus died to give you.
By Linda Tancs
Elmer J. Fudd is an animated cartoon character associated with the claim, “I am Elmer J. Fudd. I own a mansion and a yacht.” Followers of the series, though, know that it was another character, Bugs Bunny, who uttered the claim when he was hypnotized into believing he was Elmer. How do you identify yourself? Is your first impulse to identify yourself by your status, possessions or title—or as a child of God (John 1:12)? Define yourself by whose you are, not by what you have.
By Linda Tancs
In the Middle Ages, prudence was called “the queen of the virtues” because it was the virtue that enabled one to do the right thing in a particular situation. It’s foundational because, without it, other virtues like courage and justice can’t be deployed effectively. Luke’s account of the parable on the dishonest steward focuses on prudence (Luke 16:1-13). In that teaching, a steward being fired for mismanagement seeks the favor of his master’s debtors by reducing what they owed him. And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. After all, the jobless manager transformed circumstances into something which would benefit himself and others. He subjugated his self interest for the greater good. Be prudent in decision making, personally or professionally.
By Linda Tancs
Just one letter separates “pretty” from “petty.” Petty isn’t pretty, either. Much of the time it’s a fruit of being offended. But if you walk with Jesus, you’ll have too much peace for pettiness (Psalm 119:165). You’ll replace a petty view with a pretty one. You’ll realize that someone’s offensive behavior says more about them than it does about you. You’ll pray it out rather than play it out. Be peaceful, and pretty.
By Linda Tancs
When you think of Heaven, what comes to mind first? Do you think of a place? We’re conditioned to think in terms of locations. Everything in this world revolves around it. We map locales. Realtors remind us that it’s all about “location.” But in terms of Heaven, it’s more than a place. It’s a person. Indeed, the ultimate goal of Heaven is a relationship with God, who is the “Person” at the center of the place. It’s also a promise (John 5:24). So set your heart on the joy of knowing you have a forever home: a place, a Person and a promise.
By Linda Tancs
In the U.S., national and local agencies conduct tests of the emergency broadcast system. The short test interrupts local programming with the advisory, “This is only a test.” Indeed, it isn’t a final outcome of any sort. Just like life. This life is not the final story; it’s preparation for eternity. There are many tests, all of which serve a purpose to prepare us for eternity (2 Corinthians 4:17). So the next time you encounter fear, discouragement or loss of any kind, just remember that it’s only a test.
By Linda Tancs
The devil is a thief that tries to steal the fruit of the Spirit within you (Galatians 5:22-23). If you let him, he’ll satisfy his hunger and replace your fruit with fear, discouragement and doubt. Yet Proverbs teaches that if a thief is caught he must pay sevenfold (Proverbs 6:30-31). Catch that thief by renewing your mind (Romans 12:2) and live the peaceful, joyful, exciting life that God promises.
By Linda Tancs
Missionary William Carey once said, “Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.” Stated differently, what we are is His gift to us; what we become is our gift to Him. We have a deep, interdependent connection with God; He does His part and expects us to do our part. We depend on God for spiritual fulfillment and purpose, which drives a desire to fill, connect with and work through humanity to achieve the goals He’s set for us. Persevere in your faith (Hebrews 10:35).
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