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).
By Linda Tancs
Evangelist George Sweeting once said, “Life minus love equals nothing.” Think of it as the “love equation.” It’s a formula that underlies Christian life (1 Corinthians 13). We don’t live life in a silo; we live among each other and are commanded to love each other (Galatians 5:14). The apostle Paul is stark in his assessment about a life without love: all the corporal and spiritual works of mercy amount to nothing without love. Do you have this love? You can’t produce it without the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5) with whom believers are sealed (Ephesians 1:13).
By Linda Tancs
The prophet Jeremiah wrote the Book of Lamentations to mourn the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian captivity. But even amidst the despair, the book finds hope and certainty in God’s mercy (Lamentations 3:22-23). There is, indeed, joy in the mourning, a way to navigate pain and suffering with joy as a sense of strength and resilience. Grief and joy are not mutually exclusive. In times of suffering, God’s faithfulness and comfort give us great hope, the anchor of our soul (Hebrews 6:19).
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?
goforwardinfaith.com 