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.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Pretty Not Petty

By Linda Tancs

Just one letter separates “pretty” from “petty.” Petty isn’t pretty, either. Much of the time it’s a fruit of being offended. But if you walk with Jesus, you’ll have too much peace for pettiness (Psalm 119:165). You’ll replace a petty view with a pretty one. You’ll realize that someone’s offensive behavior says more about them than it does about you. You’ll pray it out rather than play it out. Be peaceful, and pretty.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

A Place, a Person and a Promise

By Linda Tancs

When you think of Heaven, what comes to mind first? Do you think of a place? We’re conditioned to think in terms of locations. Everything in this world revolves around it. We map locales. Realtors remind us that it’s all about “location.” But in terms of Heaven, it’s more than a place. It’s a person. Indeed, the ultimate goal of Heaven is a relationship with God, who is the “Person” at the center of the place. It’s also a promise (John 5:24). So set your heart on the joy of knowing you have a forever home: a place, a Person and a promise.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Only a Test

By Linda Tancs

In the U.S., national and local agencies conduct tests of the emergency broadcast system. The short test interrupts local programming with the advisory, “This is only a test.” Indeed, it isn’t a final outcome of any sort. Just like life. This life is not the final story; it’s preparation for eternity. There are many tests, all of which serve a purpose to prepare us for eternity (2 Corinthians 4:17). So the next time you encounter fear, discouragement or loss of any kind, just remember that it’s only a test.