GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: July 26, 2024

Change

The only thing one can usually change in one’s situation is oneself. (C. S. Lewis, late British writer)

Are you among those people who resist change? Many of us do, but others in our world today want to make changes that will bring drastic differences in everyone’s life and that is concerning. Sooner or later, most of us discover, however, that often there is not much we can do in such circumstances. We can, however, change our attitudes toward the things we can’t control.

A person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people. (Romans 2:29)
All must . . . prove they have changed by the good things they do. (Acts 26:20)

Stop & Think: July 25, 2024

Direction

If you board the wrong train, it’s no use running along the corridor in the opposite direction. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 20th century German pastor)

It’s strange how people will sometimes attempt to overcome a mistake by taking a completely unreasonable approach to correct it. Bonhoeffer gives just such an illustration. It would be good for us to discover the direction we’re heading and consider if that’s where we really want to go before “boarding that train.”

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Stop & Think: July 24, 2024

Happiness

One of the keys to happiness is a bad memory. (Rita Mae Brown, American writer)

Of all the “keys” to happiness, this one is surprising. We look back on our lives and often recall many relationships, events, or holidays when we were happy. But Brown is suggesting that there are times in the past when we were really unhappy, and they keep popping up in our memories. It’s best then to forget those things that are behind, and be grateful for present joys.

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. (Proverbs 15:13)

Stop & Think: July 23, 2024

Choices

You are free to make whatever choice you want, but you are not free from the consequences of that choice. (Tom Stiglich, political cartoonist)

This sentiment has been expressed in different ways, but the emphasis is always true. We can’t choose to think or act any way we want without facing the consequences. Thoughts create actions, and actions have almost unlimited effects. Wishing things might work out differently doesn’t really work. So, we would all do well to stop to think before we take action.

[God] will repay all people as their actions deserve. (Proverbs 24:12)
Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. (1 John 3:19)

Stop & Think: July 22, 2024

Discipline

Only through discipline may a man learn to be free. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

Americans value their freedom above just about anything else. “I can do anything I want to; nobody can tell me otherwise” seems to be the common attitude among many freedom-loving people. Yet, unless there are boundaries, chaos can result when everyone “does whatever seems right in their own eyes” (see Judges 21:25). Knowing and obeying limits is a key to real freedom.

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. (Hebrews 12:11)

Stop & Think: July 21, 2024

Pride

Human pride refuses to face the truth. (William Wilberforce, 18th-19th century British reformer)

In today’s relativism, it’s difficult to agree on the definition of truth. Maybe it’s because, as the old saying goes, “Truth hurts only when it applies.” In other words, truth doesn’t bother me until it convicts me of my wrongdoings. And why is it that I don’t want to face the truth? Because it may hurt. I’m often too proud to admit my error.

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)

Stop & Think: July 20, 2024

Wealth

Our affluence is . . . inadequate for our deepest needs. (Mark Hatfield, late U.S. senator)

While not everyone in our current society would be considered wealthy, it is still true that, in comparison, with most of the world’s population, we likely live in the most affluent nation. But what has it gotten us? Crime, violence, and scandal that dominate the news are evidence that our riches have not satisfied our need for inner peace and joy.

Give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. (Proverbs 30:8)

Stop & Think: July 19, 2024

Books

The best books are those whose readers think they could have written them. (Blasé Pascal, 17th century French philosopher)

If a book is easy reading, one that pictures life as we’ve experienced it, we may well think, “I could have written that myself.” There is one book, however, that is full of stories of real people and principles for living that couldn’t have been written by any human. It’s author is God himself, who wants us to know him. If you haven’t ever read it, today would be a good day to start.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword. (Hebrews 4:12)
Humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. (James 1:21)

Stop & Think: July 18, 2024

Leadership

Leadership opportunities come to those who seek to serve rather than those who seek to lead. (Tom Julien, late missionary statesman)

Understanding Julien’s observation will help immensely in developing strong and lasting leaders. There are many who want to lead, but whose motivation is sometimes misplaced. Leading is not simply being in front of the troops or chairing a committee, hoping others will follow and do the serving. The example of a servant leader will accomplish more than simply giving orders.

Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant. . . .  For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others. (Matthew 20: 26, 28)

Stop & Think: July 17, 2024

Imagination

Nothing is more free than the imagination of man. (David Hume, 18th century Scottish philosopher)

You can be thrown into solitary confinement, chained to the wall, and not allowed to communicate with anyone. Unfortunately, that has been the fate of many over the centuries—and even today. Of course, those who are holding prisoners can restrict the body, but they can’t limit the imagination. It may be that the ability to imagine is what enables the prisoner to survive.

We who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. (Hebrews 6:18)

Stop & Think: July 16, 2024

Honesty

Honesty is vital to the discovery of happiness. (Begg, Bible teacher and author)

Begg continues, “Joyful, contented people do not lie to themselves or to anybody else.” We sometimes kid ourselves, thinking that a little white lie shouldn’t be an obstacle in our “pursuit of happiness.” But Begg argues further, “We cannot deceive ourselves and enjoy genuine happiness; deceit and happiness don’t sleep in the same bed.” Be honest in lip and life.

Honesty guides good people. . . .  The godly are directed by honesty. (Proverbs 11:3, 5)

Stop & Think: July 15, 2024

Memories

Die with memories, not dreams. (Tom Parker, author)

Author Annette White writes, “Dreaming is the beginning of getting everything you want.” In contrast speaker John Maxwell says, “Dreams don’t work unless you do.” In the later years of life, will you still be dreaming about what could be? How much better, as Parker wrote, to have wonderful memories of your life rather than the dreams that were never fulfilled.

We have happy memories of the godly. (Proverbs 10:7)
Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! (Deuteronomy 4:8-10)