Tag: devotional

By Linda Tancs

Being “in control” of your life is an unattainable goal. It’s even worse if you’re a “control freak”–someone with an obsessive, powerful need to dictate situations, manage small details and influence the behavior of others. Just writing that triggers feelings of frustration and exhaustion. How controlling are you? Make the shift from self-reliance to God’s sovereignty. After all, control is often a coping mechanism triggered by underlying anxiety or a fear of uncertainty and vulnerability. Cast your cares (1 Peter 5:7).

By Linda Tancs

Part of a long, climactic melody, “Carry That Weight” is a Beatles song at the end of the Abbey Road album. It was one to which Paul McCartney has said he felt the most emotionally attached, owing to the band’s impending breakup at the time. From a biblical perspective, we know we don’t have to “carry that weight” (Psalm 55:22). Indeed, as another song goes, what a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. Leave the weights at the gym.

By Linda Tancs

A longtime ad campaign promoting education is entitled “The More You Know.” Knowledge is fundamental. It’s also limitless. As Albert Einstein once said, “The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.” The Bible’s Job felt the same way, reflecting on God’s limitless majesty in creation (Job 11:7-8). God’s understanding is infinite (Psalm 147:5). There’s much you don’t know, but enjoy the journey. Keep learning.

By Linda Tancs

Do you confuse guilt with shame? Guilt and shame are not the same. Guilt is what you feel for what you’ve done. Shame is how you feel about an aspect of yourself. In other words, guilt is your “do”; shame is your “who.” The key to overcoming either one is to draw nearer to God (Hebrews 10:22; Isaiah 61:7). It starts with confession. Own it, as they say, and then give it to Him (1 John 1:9).

By Linda Tancs

“If You See Something, Say Something” is a national campaign that raises public awareness of the signs of suspicious behavior. It’s a reminder of the biblical edict as well; if you see something untoward in the words or action of a believer, then you’re supposed to say something. Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a step-by-step process for handling correction. It commands directly confronting the offender privately, then involving witnesses if needed, reporting to the church, and finally treating unrepentant individuals as unbelievers. Correction isn’t condemnation; it’s direction. See and say.

By Linda Tancs

A “hollow willow” is a Slovak expression used to describe someone who is safe to confide in. We all want a hollow willow, but we live in a fallen world full of opportunity to betray another’s confidence. In Proverbs we’re reminded of the value of an individual who displays discretion (Proverbs 11:13). How one handles information reveals character, and it takes maturity to keep secrets. Be a hollow willow. That’s the kind of righteous and truthful living that brings blessing and security.

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By Linda Tancs

The Torah sets forth several attributes of God, among them that God is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger and abounding in kindness (Exodus 34:6-8). These attributes aren’t reserved for God. You are, after all, made in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:27). By emulating these very attributes, we also create the goodness which allows us to know God. Keep working on those attributes.