By Linda Tancs
Because I Said So
A common refrain of parents when children ask why is “because I said so.” Moses used that technique over and over with the Israelites, exhorting them to just do what God says or suffer the consequences. He calls the people to understand and remember God’s faithfulness. Their response—loving and obeying Him—is the way they could participate in His enduring covenant (Deuteronomy 7:8-9). Are you obedient, or willful?
By Linda Tancs
Medical research indicates that crying is a natural and beneficial response to emotional triggers and our body’s way of working through stress, calming our nervous system and removing toxins. Biblically speaking, is crying a sign of unbelief? Actually, no. It’s a form of communication with God. If God didn’t expect us to cry, He wouldn’t have given us tear ducts! God acknowledges and cares for those who weep. After all, the Psalms remind us that He keeps all of our tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). So don’t be hesitant to have a good cry.
By Linda Tancs
Part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminds us that the meek shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). That certainly implies what a powerful virtue meekness is; it’s a key component of a life pleasing to God. It definitely isn’t a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it’s power under control. Resist the temptation to judge meekness as weakness.
By Linda Tancs
When you were a child, did you color outside the lines in your coloring book? Did you feel like a rebel? Or maybe you just didn’t feel artistically inclined. Whatever the case, the concept of coloring outside the lines has come to symbolize rule breaking. Of course, some rules are necessary for an ordered society; if we break them, there are consequences. In other cases, breaking rules or norms can lead to innovation and breakthroughs. That’s a good thing.
The Bible is full of examples of innovation. Indeed, the very act of creation is the ultimate example of innovation. In the New Testament, Jesus often used parables to challenge the status quo and introduce new perspectives on faith and life. So, go ahead; think outside the box. Color outside the lines.
By Linda Tancs
The idiom “off the top of my head” means to say something without much thought or preparation, often based on immediate memory or a quick guess. It isn’t likely to be very discerning. It might be fine for a trivia game, but for the important things of life, don’t live from the top of your head. Live instead from the bottom of your heart—genuinely, sincerely and with conviction (Philippians 1:9-10).
By Linda Tancs
As believers, we’re exhorted to comfort the afflicted (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). But do you afflict the comfortable? Do you challenge those with more to do more? It’s easy to see the needs of others as someone else’s problem, particularly if you’re far removed from any need. Don’t get too comfy. As the daily news will remind you, the need is great. Never cease in doing good for all the people you can and as much as you can (Isaiah 1:17).
By Linda Tancs
A study of college students in England some years ago found that those who prayed daily had lower levels of depression and anxiety as well as higher self-esteem. That shouldn’t be surprising. After all, God is the Great Physician (Exodus 15:26). So pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It’s not just for your spiritual health but also for your physical, mental and emotional health.
By Linda Tancs
The idiom “talking to the wall” implies a futile attempt at conversation with another person. Maybe the other person is either not paying attention, is ignoring you or is unwilling to understand or agree with you. Not all walls represent futility, of course. Consider Jerusalem’s Western Wall, where the faithful have lifted up prayers since ancient times. That’s one conversation that will not go unheeded. Not all walls are created equal. Consider the source.
By Linda Tancs
Would you put something together without reading the instructions first? Chances are, if you have, then you might’ve ended up with a mess or at least missed a few things. The same is true of life. God wants you to read His directions, the Bible, to lead you. It’s your one sure guide in an unsure world. Don’t try to “wing it.” You’ll likely end up with a mess.
By Linda Tancs
Researchers say that time is an illusion. Maybe that’s so, but it doesn’t stop us from obsessing over it anyway. We vow to make time, find time, save time. No matter what we do, we still lose it. Finding the time to do anything is a challenge, and that includes Bible study. A popular evangelist once said that we shouldn’t let a hurried lifestyle disturb our relationship of abiding in Him. So what is a hurried person to do? The answer is to make an effort, set a goal. Try reading a chapter of Proverbs and five psalms each day for a month. Or maybe read the five major prophets or the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament. Or meditate on the life of Christ in the gospels, even for a few minutes every day or before bedtime. Try investigating scriptural teaching on a subject that is important to you, like finances or parenting. Just start somewhere.
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