By Linda Tancs
It’s often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day: The way we fuel our body in the first instance affects the remainder of the day. So it is with seeking God. Think of time in God’s Word as spiritual nourishment to start the day. In Psalm 63, David described seeking God early. You can, too. (Psalm 5:3). Have breakfast with Jesus. You’ll be amazed at the results.
By Linda Tancs
The Torah sets forth several attributes of God, among them that God is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger and abounding in kindness (Exodus 34:6-8). These attributes aren’t reserved for God. You are, after all, made in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:27). By emulating these very attributes, we also create the goodness which allows us to know God. Keep working on those attributes.
By Linda Tancs
Expectations shape our perception, profoundly influencing how we interpret the world. The best type of expectation you can foster is a biblical one. Biblical expectation is a confident, faith-based anticipation of God’s intervention, promises and goodness, rather than self-focused entitlement. It’s anchored in hope, waiting on God to act (Psalm 5:3) and expecting His goodness (Isaiah 30:18). How great are your expectations, biblically speaking?
By Linda Tancs
Golden handcuffs are financial incentives—such as large bonuses, stock options, or deferred compensation—designed by companies to retain key employees by making it financially disadvantageous for them to leave. These perks keep employees “trapped” in high-paying jobs they may otherwise want to quit. But anyone can submit to golden handcuffs. We all have trappings, regardless of occupation. They can lead to idolatry, spiritual decay or harmful desire (Luke 12:15). Beware of your own snares.
By Linda Tancs
During World War II, Protestant watchmaker Corrie ten Boom helped rescue Jews in the German-occupied Netherlands. Among her precious observations, she once remarked about a piece of embroidery, encouraging her listeners to picture it being placed between oneself and God with the finished side facing Him. As she explained, we see the frayed, loose edges, but God sees the whole pattern. It’s a beautiful metaphor for life. Don’t fret over what you can’t see or explain. God sees the whole picture. Someday, so will you (1 Corinthians 13:12).
By Linda Tancs
“This Little Light of Mine” is an American gospel song that originated in the 1920s. It inspires people to let their light shine through their actions and presence. It’s an exhortation of Jesus’s own words to His followers that they are the “light of the world.” He instructed them not to hide their light, but to let it shine before others (Matthew 5:14-16). We often speak of people who “light up a room.” It isn’t just somebody else; you were made to shine! Keep an electric candle in a room you visit often. Turn on that light as a reminder of who you are meant to be.
By Linda Tancs
In American football, a personal foul is often referred to as “unnecessary roughness.” Of course, it’s not limited to the football field. Like sport, it might be physical. It could also be emotional or mental in the form of verbal abuse and other behavior. The Bible cautions against roughness in its many forms; rough behavior is contrary to God’s character. Instead, we’re called to be peacemakers, not aggressors or bullies. Love your neighbor (Leviticus 19:18) and avoid quarrels (Proverbs 15:1) and bullying (Proverbs 3:31).
Choose peace (Psalm 34:14) and avoid the penalty box.
By Linda Tancs
The art market teaches much about the speculative nature of value. Why are some artworks considered masterpieces and not others? It comes down to factors like technique and historical significance (in other words, the maker). Aren’t you glad that your maker is the Most High God! You are His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). And your value will never fluctuate with the market. In fact, it will only increase as the Divine designer continues to bring you to completion, to the masterpiece that he created you to be.
By Linda Tancs
Over and Next
The late American screenwriter and producer Norman Lear famously characterized his life advice in three simple words: over and next. When an event, project, or moment is finished, it is “over.” Immediately transition to “next” without dwelling on what has passed. Sound familiar? It should. In Philippians 3:13-14, the apostle Paul declares his focus on pressing forward rather than dwelling on the past. Wisdom for the ages. Given that Lear frequently shared his advice as a secret to his longevity and happiness (particularly as he reached his 90s and 100s), it apparently works.
By Linda Tancs
A board of trustees is the appointed or elected governing body of an entity like a non-profit organization, university, hospital or charitable foundation, responsible for ensuring the organization fulfills its mission. In God’s economy, we’re all members of His board of trustees. We’re entrusted with things like protecting the gospel message (2 Timothy 1:14) and using our unique spiritual gifts as good stewards of God’s grace (1 Peter 4:10). In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus tells of a master who entrusts his goods to his servants while he is away, expecting them to invest and increase them (Matthew 25:14-30). What kind of board member are you?
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