goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Signs and Wonders

By Linda Tancs

The phrase “signs and wonders” appears over 30 times in the Bible. In the Old Testament, those events include the burning bush through which God spoke to Moses (Exodus 3) and a donkey that spoke to convict its master of his sin (Numbers 22:21-29). In the New Testament, Joseph receives several instructions in his dreams from an angel, beginning with the exhortation to take Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:18-25). In today’s environment, God has ample ways to communicate. It might be through a store sign, a newspaper article, a video or some form of social media. Make it a point in this new year to be watchful and attentive to all the ways God is trying to communicate with 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

Property Management

By Linda Tancs

Regardless of your job title or duties, you can add property manager to your list. Why? Because we all have the same property—a mind. How well do you manage it? What’s playing in your mind? You may have thoughts that require eviction, like thoughts of failure, neglect, hopelessness, despair or discouragement. None of those thoughts come from God; don’t give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:27). Instead, manage your property like God would, leaving it in broom-clean condition (Philippians 4:8).

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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

Comfort Zones

By Linda Tancs

A comfort zone is a psychological state wherein one generally feels comfortable or secure because outcomes can be controlled. Of course, comfort zones aren’t always comfortable, or even safe. Whether the environment is professional or personal, the desire to remain in what one thinks of as a “comfort zone” may prolong outcomes that are far from desirable. In short, comfort zones preserve the status quo and inhibit growth. But God designed us to live an adventurous life. Consider Abram (Abraham), who left his comfort zone to venture to a land that God would show him; he didn’t even know where he was headed (Genesis 12:1)! Pursue an adventurous spirit that trusts God and His divine guidance. Then you can embrace challenges and opportunities with confidence and determination.

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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

Take a Break

By Linda Tancs

There’s no shortage of research indicating that rest breaks are beneficial for one’s well-being and productivity. Even our most ancient texts, like the Bible, advocate rest. In the Old Testament, the fourth commandment tells people to keep the Sabbath day holy to God and to rest from labor on the seventh day (Exodus 20:8). The book also prescribes that in the seventh year the land should observe a Sabbath of rest to the Lord, and Jews are forbidden to work it (Leviticus 25:3-4). This is known as the Sabbatical Year, which is observed in many work circles, allowing a worker to pursue professional or personal goals away from the office. In the New Testament, we’re encouraged to make every effort to enter a Sabbath rest (Hebrews 4:9-11). Clearly, rest is important not just for its physical benefits but also for spiritual renewal, so give yourself a break.

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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 Red Sea Moment

By Linda Tancs

There are times in life when you can’t go forward and you can’t go backward. Maybe you left a career that was bad for you. You know you can never go back but you don’t have the skill set, or maybe even the connections, that you need to move forward on the new thing. You’re having a Red Sea moment. Like the Israelites fleeing the Egyptians, you’re hemmed in. But Moses reminded the Israelites to stand firm and see the deliverance of the Lord (Exodus 14). They did, and so should you. Embrace your Red Sea moment, whatever it is, and await God’s glory (Isaiah 60:1).

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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 Ripple Effect

By Linda Tancs

What kind of spiritual legacy do you want to leave for others? After all, your faith journey isn’t just for you. Think of the ripple effect that your witness can have on others. When the apostle Paul wrote his final letter to Timothy, he remarked on the faith that had been passed on to Timothy by his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5). Timothy became not only one of Paul’s most beloved and trusted associates but also the first Christian bishop of Ephesus.

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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

Rename It

By Linda Tancs

In ancient biblical times, it was common to adopt a name based on a condition or circumstance. In the Book of Chronicles, we learn of Jabez, so named because it resembles the Hebrew word for “pain.” Jabez’s mother gave him the name because he had caused her pain in childbirth (1 Chronicles 4:9). In the Book of Ruth, we learn that Naomi (meaning “pleasant”) attempted to change her name to Mara, which means bitter. Naomi was suffering from the loss of her husband and two sons (Ruth 1:19-20). In modern times, a name change is legally available in many cases, but why not let God rename the situation instead? Jabez prayed that God be with him and keep him from being a source of pain to others, and God granted his request. Naomi ultimately trusted in God’s provision, which led to a kinsman redeemer for her widowed daughter-in-law, who bore a son (Obed) named as one of Jesus’s ancestors in the genealogies recorded in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke. Her life was pleasant, indeed. Whatever name you’ve given yourself or your pain, let God rename it.

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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

Just the Facts

By Linda Tancs

When captured, the presentation of name, rank and serial number is a requirement of the Geneva Convention. It is the only information a prisoner of war is obligated to give. In daily life, sometimes we stick to the facts, exchanging pleasantries or basic information with others. We never get beneath the surface. Popular culture talks about “emotional availability,” the ability of two people to share a healthy emotional connection. It is, indeed, an important element in bonding with others. Emotionally available people are present, open to understanding and empathizing with others and can reciprocate their emotions. Those are the characteristics that enable one to establish friendships, to be the one who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). That’s who Jesus is to us, and that’s who we should be to others.

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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 Privilege and the Power

By Linda Tancs

You have the privilege and the power of praying in Jesus’s name. After all, Jesus gave you the right to use His name when you go to God in prayer (John 16:23-24). Think about how powerful that is—when we pray in Jesus’s name, it’s as if He is making the supplication Himself. Unlike earthly privileges (like driving a car), you don’t need to worry about losing it. Enjoy this great privilege!

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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

Whatever It Costs

By Linda Tancs

In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) we learn that a Samaritan transported an injured man found on the roadside to an innkeeper and paid for his care with the promise to reimburse the innkeeper for any extra expense when the Samaritan returned. Notably, there was no limit on the expense he would pay; the Samaritan was willing to pay the innkeeper whatever it cost to care for the man. That’s a challenging standard to live up to. We often place limits on our charitable behavior, whether it be time, talent or treasure. It’s scary to write a “blank check.” Ultimately, God provided for all of us, no matter the cost, when He surrendered His only Son (John 3:16). He asks us to do likewise for others and trust Him for the rest (Luke 6:38).

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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.