short reads – Page 28

December 20, 2020October 20, 2020 goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Good as Gold

By Linda Tancs

We often ascribe the expression “as good as gold” to someone exhibiting good behavior. It takes on an interesting twist in Japan, where the art of kintsugi is the practice of using gold lacquer to repair broken pottery. In a real sense, the broken object becomes as good as gold.

Life is like kintsugi. There are lots of broken places—physical, mental and emotional—that, when mixed with brighter things, ultimately yield something good. Out of the ash, the broken places, comes beauty (Isaiah 61:1-3) if you’ll let the Lord fill in the cracks.

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES, Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Learn more at goforwardinfaith.com. Follow us on Twitter @moveonfaith and join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.

December 13, 2020October 20, 2020 goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

The Guiding Light

By Linda Tancs

I love lighthouses. I love everything about them—their history, form, function, even romanticism. Although they don’t serve the same navigational function in maritime safety today as in previous centuries, many of those lights still sparkle for seafarers. Lighthouses remind me of Jesus. After all, He did say that He is the light of the world (John 8:12). He is the ultimate lightkeeper.

When we look to Jesus for salvation and follow His teaching, we’re restored in relationship with God, and He gives us new power and purpose. His transforming life and love—“the light of all mankind” (John 1:4)—shines in us and through us and out to a dark and sometimes dangerous world.

As believers in Jesus, we become “keepers of the light.” May others see His light shine from us and discover the life and hope He alone can give!

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December 6, 2020October 20, 2020 goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Take the Wheel

By Linda Tancs

Singer Carrie Underwood recorded a song entitled “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” It’s about letting go, letting God handle the situation. During hard times we cry out to Jesus to take the wheel, steer us where He wants us to go. And sometimes, that request may be greeted with silence. Does that mean God doesn’t care? Of course not. Maybe you’re asking God to do something you could easily do yourself (Proverbs 13:4). Perhaps He wants you to take the wheel. In other words, step out and find out. Get in the driver’s seat.

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November 29, 2020October 20, 2020 goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Turning Back Time

By Linda Tancs

Cher sang a song titled “If I Could Turn Back Time.” Well, none of us can do that. But God can. He promises that He’ll turn back time, restore the lost years (Joel 2:25). In the Book of Joel, God promises His people an abundant harvest for the years lost through locust infestation. You might not be dealing with actual locusts but rather a functional equivalent. What is it? An ill-considered career choice? Abuse? Isolation? Regardless whether it has lasted weeks, months or even years, all is not lost.

With God, time is always on your side.

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November 22, 2020October 20, 2020 goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Earth Angels

By Linda Tancs

The American doo-wop group The Penguins sang a song called “Earth Angel.” It evokes an important message about angels. You have heard of the angel Gabriel and the angel Michael, but there’s another kind of angel – earthly angels – as in “you.” In the Bible the Hebrew word for “angel” is “malach”; in Greek, it is “angelos.” In English, the word “evangelist” has the word “angel” right in the middle! Both the Hebrew and Greek word for “angel” are used not just for heavenly beings, but for flesh and blood people – as in John the Baptist, called an “angelos,” and Haggai, called a “malach.” An angel is one who is a messenger of God, who carries forth the gospel. And that’s exactly what you are to be.

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November 15, 2020October 20, 2020 goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Paper Tigers

By Linda Tancs

The term “paper tiger” refers to something or someone that claims or appears to be powerful or threatening but is actually ineffectual and unable to withstand challenge. The world is a paper tiger because its temptations, troubles, opportunities and circumstances are no match for God’s influence and power. It offers no stronger foundation than a sand castle because Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33). Don’t let it become like the proverbial tail wagging the dog. You are the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13). You’ve been given all the power in the world to overcome paper tigers (Luke 10:19).

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November 8, 2020October 20, 2020 goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Keep Your Eyes on the Road

By Linda Tancs

One of the rules of the road that every new driver learns is to keep your eyes on the road. Don’t get distracted. We’ve become accustomed to the sad statistics related to distracted driving. Even the Bible talks about “road rules.” Jeremiah 31 tell us to set our heart to the highway, to set up road signs and guideposts. Of course, the prophet isn’t talking about traffic rules. He’s warning against backsliding in your relationship with God. For Christians, the highway is salvation. Keep your eyes on that. Don’t be distracted by the things of this world (Matthew 6:19-21). Keep God first (Matthew 6:33). A popular hymn is titled, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” Do that, and you’ll never be distracted.

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November 1, 2020October 2, 2020 goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

The Big Meeting

By Linda Tancs

You might have heard the term “a come-to-Jesus meeting.” Popularly used in the context of employment, it generally relates to an employer’s reckoning with an employee over work or conduct.

Imagine if you could actually call a meeting, or schedule a conference call, with Jesus! Suppose you could ask Him one question. What would it be? Would you want to know how He could love you enough to die for you? What His favorite food on earth was? Why He chose those 12 apostles?

Think about it, and share your thoughts in the comments section.

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October 25, 2020October 25, 2020 goforwardinfaith Christianity, Faith-Based Business, Religion, Theology

Love All, Serve All

By Linda Tancs

The longtime motto of the restaurant franchise Hard Rock Café is “love all, serve all.” It reflects the values of the eatery’s founders, who desired to unify the world around a plate of American grub and some rock ‘n’ roll.

No doubt the message would’ve been “Jesus approved” in His day. After all, it pretty much sums up His rules of engagement. Love everyone (Luke 10:25-37). Serve others (Matthew 20:25-28).

Now there’s a restaurant with a powerful recipe for living.

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October 18, 2020October 2, 2020 goforwardinfaith Christianity, Faith-Based Business, Theology

It’s Just Business

Some variation of “It’s just business” (like, “It’s not personal; it’s only business”) is a common refrain in the business world. For many believers, thoughts like this are a crutch to separate one’s “spiritual” life from professional life. The problem with this approach is that it’s not biblical. As far as God is concerned, there’s no wall of separation between the religious and secular realms. Indeed, God declares that He’s the God of all (Jeremiah 32:27). When you attempt to isolate any part of your life from the reach of God, then you deprive Him of the power to transform it (Romans 12:2). Tear down that wall.

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