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.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Waiting on the Wind

By Linda Tancs

The idiom “nothing ventured nothing gained” is said to date back to the English author Geoffrey Chaucer. It’s the gist behind Ecclesiastes 11:4, which reminds us that one who observes the wind will not sow, and one who regards the clouds will not reap. In other words, if you wait for conditions to be perfect, then you won’t get anything done. Cloud and wind conditions have their place, like for airline flights. As for you, don’t wait on the wind or the clouds before you take action. You need to step out to find out.

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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 Way of Love

By Linda Tancs

There’s a song entitled “Love Will Find a Way.” That premise is the embodiment of 1 Corinthians 13, perhaps the most romantic verse in the Bible. In that passage, we learn that love finds a way to be kind, humble, patient and forgiving. It protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres. It is the greatest commandment so be sure to pursue the way of love.

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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

Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover

By Linda Tancs

The expression “don’t judge a book by its cover” means one should not judge the worth or value of something or someone by outward appearance alone. It’s a proclivity as ancient as time itself. Who thought that King David as a youth, the proverbial “runt of the litter,” could slay a giant and ultimately rule a nation? Even his own father doubted his anointing. We may all focus on the outer person from time to time, but God knows what’s on the inside (1 Samuel 16:7). The next time you’re tempted to judge a book by its cover (looks, strength, talent, ability or some other attribute), look a little deeper.

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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

A Beautiful Mind

By Linda Tancs

A Beautiful Mind is a 2001 American biographical film about the mathematician John Nash, a Nobel Laureate in Economics. Mathematical brilliance may be beautiful, but the Bible gives us better examples of beautiful thinking (Philip 4:8). Don’t let a skillful mind dazzle you; as the old expression goes, it’s the thought that counts.

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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.