goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

The Heart of the Problem

By Linda Tancs

Sometimes the heart of the problem is a problem with the heart. If a heart is full of evil, then evil will be spoken; out of an abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45). A hard heart dulls the mind (Mark 6:52), and a troubled heart has no peace (John 14:27). Do you have a “heart problem”? Let God be the strength of your heart (Psalm 73:26) and create it anew (Psalm 51:10).

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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

Gifts and Earnings

By Linda Tancs

John Houseman was a British-American actor who became known for his commercials for the brokerage firm Smith Barney. He famously stated that they made money the old-fashioned way—they earned it. Of course, in the physical world, we work to earn a living, sometimes striving after the best that money can buy.

Thankfully, though, the most important things in life are not earned; you don’t have to punch a time clock to get them. They’re gifts from God. For instance, you receive salvation through Christ, not by your own works (Ephesians 2:8-9). You also receive peace. Jesus devised, gave and bequeathed His peace (John 14:27) to His followers, like a bequest under a will. It’s a gift, yours for the taking.

Receive your gifts with grace. They’re good and perfect (James 1:17), and there’s nothing old-fashioned about that.