goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

The School of Life

By Linda Tancs

The “school of hard knocks” is an expression referring to the education one gets from life’s usually negative experiences. We’ve all been in that school. After all, disappointment and failure are a part of life. But failing at something does not mean that you are a failure. The inventor Thomas Edison put it best when he said that he hadn’t failed; he’d just found 10,000 ways that something won’t work. The apostle Peter failed miserably when he refused to acknowledge Jesus after his arrest (Luke 22:54-62), yet he was not a failure. Indeed, Jesus had restored Peter to fellowship after his denials and commissioned him to pastor his people (John 21:15-17). For us, too, our failures are foundations for the greater work that He seeks to achieve in and through us. In life you may feel like you’ve failed the test but, in God’s school, you get to keep taking the test until you pass. Now that’s a school worth attending.

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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, Faith-Based Business, Religion, Theology

The Multitasking Minister

By Linda Tancs

Multitasking is the performance of more than one task at the same time, involving the interruption of one thing to begin another. Once heralded as a prized skill, recent studies suggest that multitasking causes us to make more mistakes and retain less information, resulting in less workplace efficiency. However, consider the benefits of multitasking in ministry, specifically when an interruption in your coveted to-do list can benefit others. Jesus had no problem pivoting to meet the needs of others. In Mark’s gospel the story is relayed about a man named Jairus interrupting Jesus’s planned journey to a crowd to ask for his daughter’s healing (Mark 5:21-23). On the way to Jairus’s house, a woman with a blood disorder interrupted that unplanned journey to ask for her own healing (Mark 5:25-34). Don’t be so married to your agenda that you fail to see an opportunity to bless others. Sometimes, a little multitasking is a big deal.

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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

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.