goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Carrying the Word

By Linda Tancs

The Ark of the Covenant Passes Over the Jordan is a painting by French artist James Tissot. It commemorates the miracle performed by God when the Israelites led by Joshua were to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. When the priests carrying the ark put their feet in the water overflowing the banks of the Jordan, the water stopped flowing and the people crossed over it on dry land (Joshua 3:14-17). Many times a curator in an art museum will ask visitors what they see when they look at a particular work of art. Find an image of Tissot’s work and ask yourself what you see. Maybe it evokes the belief that if you walk in the Word, then there’s no limit to what God can do (Psalm 37:4-5).

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES (a teaching and speaking ministry), Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Plus One

By Linda Tancs

A person who accompanies an invited person to an event is commonly called a “plus-one.” Of course, not every event planner allows for a plus-one, and some people just don’t have a plus-one in their life. But there’s no need to feel lonely because you’re never alone. Believers are sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit. You are God’s temple because His Spirit dwells in you (1 Corinthians 6:19). You’ll always have a plus-one.

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES (a teaching and speaking ministry), Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

The Waiting

By Linda Tancs

The late singer/songwriter Tom Petty wrote a song called “The Waiting.” The premise is that waiting is the hardest part. He goes on to say that you take it on faith. That’s where God comes in. God reminded the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk that the answer will come at the appointed time. God is never late (Habakkuk 2:3). What are you waiting on? A new home? A different career? Improved family life? A change in finances? Waiting is hard. Can you learn to wait, in faith, like Habakkuk?

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES (a teaching and speaking ministry), Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Keep Moving Forward

By Linda Tancs

Known as the “apostle of California,” Junípero Serra was a Spanish Franciscan priest, explorer, and founder of the California missions. His motto was “siempre adelante,” or keep moving forward. It was a testament to his energetic nature, a characteristic that kept alive his fervor for the Gospel. We all have ways to experience the joy of the Gospel. For some it may be a daily practice of reading the Bible. For others it may be acts of charity or starting a Bible study group. Whatever you do, keep moving forward in pursuit of your passion. Be zealous to the end (Titus 2:14).

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES (a teaching and speaking ministry), Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Who, Me?

By Linda Tancs

Matthew’s call to discipleship is depicted in a painting by Italian artist Caravaggio. In that rendering, he appears to point incredulously to himself. Indeed, as a tax collector for Rome, he was one of the most despised Jews among his people. Unworthiness is hardly a concept limited to the first century, however. It persists through the ages. We think God only wants “perfect” people, that our usefulness in the Kingdom is only as great as our spotlessness. As Matthew’s own gospel reminds us, Jesus came to call sinners, not the righteous (Matthew 9:13). All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23-24). We are works in progress, aiming to make amends. So the next time you think ‘Who, me?’ remember the answer is ‘Yes, you.’

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES (a teaching and speaking ministry), Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Poor Me

By Linda Tancs

American singer Linda Ronstadt performed a song entitled Poor Poor Pitiful Me. What a pity party, indeed! The story shows a woman who bemoans everything that has befallen her; she sounds a lot like Job (Job 10:1). Self-pity is the enemy of hope and the opposite of gratitude. Of course, life is challenging and events can be burdensome. Sometimes, you can’t find a praise report in any of it. Still, praise Him (Psalm 7:17)! That’s where your focus belongs anyway.

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES (a teaching and speaking ministry), Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Turn It Around

By Linda Tancs

In business, a turnaround specialist is someone who helps struggling businesses recover and thrive. God is the ultimate turnaround specialist! He helps us in our struggles to recover and thrive. Nothing is impossible for Him (Luke 1:37), unlike a specialist in the business world. In all things God works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Cast your cares on Him, and let Him turn it around (1 Peter 5:6-7).

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES (a teaching and speaking ministry), Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Ignore the Naysayers

By Linda Tancs

Psychologists remind us that it’s important to be detached from the opinion of other people. King David certainly knew this. When he was approached by a relative of Saul, the man cursed him and bore great ill will toward him. One of the king’s retinue wanted to lop off the man’s head, but David knew how to ignore the naysayer. David looked to God for his validation instead (2 Samuel 16:5-12). That’s a lesson for everyone.

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES (a teaching and speaking ministry), Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Tough Going

By Linda Tancs

You may be familiar with the expression, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” It’s been attributed to various people, like the father of President John F. Kennedy and football great Knute Rockne. The biblical equivalent would probably be something like Joshua 1:9, which admonishes us to be strong and of good courage to meet the challenges ahead of us. Sometimes it’s easier said than done. You might be feeling more like “When the going gets tough, the weak will shrink.” Don’t be hard on yourself. Isaiah 40:29 promises that He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. You were built tough, as an old car slogan reminds us. Now get going.

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES (a teaching and speaking ministry), Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Temple of the Spirit

By Linda Tancs

We are called to be temples of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Simply put, it means that God’s Spirit lives in you. A temple is a holy place. You would not desecrate a temple building; likewise, you should you not desecrate your own body, where God dwells. That includes your mind, will and emotions. Vigilance is key because the flesh and the Spirit are always in opposition (Galatians 5:17). Don’t hesitate to ask God to renew your spirit (Psalm 51:10).

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES (a teaching and speaking ministry), Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.