Tag: devotional

By Linda Tancs

A popular poem called The Dash by Linda Ellis reminds us that all that separates birth and death is a dash (–). There are, of course, many dashes to consider in this regard. An em dash (—) is the longest dash, followed by the en dash (–) and then the hyphen (-), the shortest dash. Perhaps it’s fair to say that most folks would opt for an em dash. Indeed, the Bible treats long life as both a blessing from God and a general result of living wisely. For example, Scripture emphasizes honoring parents (Ephesians 6:2-3), pursuing wisdom (Proverbs 3:16) and trusting in God’s timing (Psalm 91:15-16) as pathways to a fulfilling and extended life. May your dash be a long one.

By Linda Tancs

A sermon once reflected on two kinds of loss: privative loss and negative loss. Privative loss relates to an absence, like a person or a career. Negative loss is grief over what wasn’t: the “if only” or the “I never got to.” We’ve all had our share of both losses, haven’t we? Sometimes, of course, they intersect: there’s grief over the loss of a person you wish you could’ve had a better relationship with. It’s complicated. Ask the Lord to help untie the knots.

By Linda Tancs

It’s that time of year again when students are embarking on or returning to university life. There will be required courses and optional courses as well as social activities that define the experience. It’s all part of university life. There’s another kind of university: the university of life. As evangelist Billy Graham once explained, there are three required courses in that university: life, death and judgment. Unlike an optional course, you can’t avoid it. How we live directly affects the quality of our death and the nature of our eternal rewards. A faith-centered life removes the terror of death (Philippians 1:21) and affects the nature of our eternal rewards (2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; Peter 5:2-4; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; and 1 Corinthians 9:24-25). Be a lifelong learner.

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.

.