goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Over and Next

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.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

The Board of Trustees

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?

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Jesus’s Inaugural Address

By Linda Tancs

An inaugural address is meant to unify and provide a vision going forward. Jesus had His own inaugural address in Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God and a time of fulfillment (Mark 1:14-20). He recruited Simon and Andrew, James and John. Unlike a typical inaugural address, though, His is not limited in time and place. It’s meant to apply to each of us, today and every day. We’re meant to see ourselves in the first disciples. The address is meant to be used by us all, to call others to the Kingdom. Just like an inaugural address is a key feature of politics, make Jesus’s address a key feature of your discipleship.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Muddy Waters

By Linda Tancs

In the creation narrative of Genesis 1:2, the deep water is a symbol of dysfunction or chaos. In the Book of Kings, the commander Naaman gets cleansed under protest in the dirty waters of the Jordan, another symbol of dysfunction, impurity (2 Kings 5:9-12). The same waters baptize Jesus (Matthew 3:13). Not so surprising, considering He came to enter into our dysfunction. He didn’t mind getting His hands dirty, so to speak. In everyday life, you can’t fix a car without getting under the hood. Let the conditions of His baptism be a powerful symbol of His desire to enter the muck of your life and transform it.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

A Dose of Reality

By Linda Tancs

It’s no surprise that fear or discouragement can distort reality. In those instances it’s crucial to remember that what you see of reality is a small piece of the whole. Consider the prophet Elijah. He believed that he was the only prophet left serving Israel, particularly after Queen Jezebel killed many prophets and he felt overwhelmed by the widespread idolatry of Baal. But God revealed to him that there were 7,000 others in Israel who hadn’t bowed to Baal (1 Kings 19). Why couldn’t he see that? Because he was blinded by his isolation and discouragement. Don’t be blinded by your circumstances; look beyond the way things appear.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Supporting Ligaments

By Linda Tancs

Various translations of Ephesians 4:16 speak of supporting ligaments in the body of Christ. In the natural body, ligaments act as connectors. So, too, are members of the body of Christ. Nothing we do individually is complete. In fact, over our lifetime only a fraction of God’s enterprise is worked out through us. Through the ages we lay foundations and plant seeds that other connectors will build upon. That’s our task and our destiny. The point is simply to do something because the kingdom of God will always lie beyond you.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Father Knows Best

By Linda Tancs

Father Knows Best was a popular American situation comedy about a wise family man. The show’s title is a lovely sentiment, on TV and otherwise, but there’s actually only one Father who knows best (Matthew 6:7-8). Do you act like He knows best, or do you tell Him how to solve your problems? He truly knows what’s needed even before you pray about it (Psalm 139:2-4). Try listening to Him with your heart. He’s waiting to share with you what’s best for you.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Words in Your Mouth

By Linda Tancs

We often admonish others not to put words in our mouth, meaning that someone is falsely claiming that we said something we did not or distorting our words to make them appear to mean something different. Indeed, why rely on anyone other than God and His words. That’s what Jeremiah did when God called him to be a prophet to the nations. God put His words in Jeremiah’s mouth to accomplish His mission (Jeremiah 1:7-9). Let God be the only One putting words in your mouth.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

The Tomb is Empty

By Linda Tancs

As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ today, we rejoice in the fact that the tomb is forever empty. It’s also a good time to reflect on emptiness. What does emptiness look like in your life? Maybe it’s an empty nest or something much more profound. Whatever it is, walk away from the emptiness into newness. Receive all that Jesus died to give you.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

A Mansion and a Yacht

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.