GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: April 25, 2024

Looking Ahead

Focus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase. (Ancient proverb)

It’s obvious that planning is important in any project; you’ll never accomplish your purpose and goal if you haven’t thought far enough ahead to know your way. The future is as uncertain as the weather, but though you may not see every move ahead, you have to take one step at a time to achieve your ultimate goal. Pursue your plan carefully, confident that each step is the right one.

The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? (Proverbs 20:24)

Stop & Think: April 24, 2024

Prayer

It may well be that the deepest form of prayer begins when we run out of things to say. (Darryl Tippens, university professor and author)

It’s very likely that most prayers are either prepared recitations or a list of things we want from “some higher power.” The God of the Bible has promised to hear and answer, so believers often come only when they have needs or when they are at a loss for words. That is the best time to wait and listen to discover what He wants to tell us.

Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. (Matthew 6:9)

Stop & Think: April 23, 2024

Backward or Forward?

No one really needs a leader to go backward. (Allistar Begg, pastor & author)

This obvious observation is worthy of more thought. After all, as Begg further suggests, “You can just go back.” How often have you decided that moving forward was too difficult or just not worth the effort, so you turned around and went back? Begg observes, “We need leaders to push us forward.” If you’re tempted to go back, look for someone to challenge you to “go for it!”

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. (Psalm 143:10)

Stop & Think: April 22, 2024

Careful Thinking

It’s the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. (Aristotle)

Sharing ideas aids in personal growth and community progress. Some people are not open to another’s ideas if they are not in line with their own, but we should carefully consider ideas from whatever source. It’s wise to consider good ideas even if they are different from ours, As Aristotle counsels, we don’t have to accept them, especially those that are illogical or immoral.

So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas (Hebrews 1:39).
You didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is. (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

Stop & Think: April 21, 2024

Cartoon Love

Love makes you do strange things. (Charlie Brown, in the Peanuts cartoon)

Sometimes we can glean some simple but powerful comments from the funnies. Charlie Brown isn’t noted for his intellect, but Charles Schultz, the cartoonist, put some really practical wisdom in his cartoons. Those characters played at life, trying to understand the confusing speech and conduct of the older generation. Love was one of the tough puzzles they tried hard to figure out.

Let love be your highest goal! . . . And do everything with love. (1 Corinthians 14:1; 16:14)

Stop & Think: April 20, 2024

Integrity 2

Your integrity must be the driving force in the exercise of your skill. (Jesse Deloe, author)

To watch a skilled artisan exercise his or her craft is a delight and pleasure. We marvel at the workmanship of a creative woodworker or sculptor, musician, or artist. But there are some who use their proficiency for nefarious purposes: a safe cracker, for example. As Deloe says, integrity must be the driving force behind any creation or activity.

I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. (1 Chronicles 29:17)

Stop & Think: April 19, 2024

Integrity

Often, if there is no risk of loss or painful consequences, one will never know if one has integrity. (Sam Storms, theologian and teacher)

Storms continues, “One will never know if what motivates you is moral conviction or moral convenience until you are forced to suffer loss for standing your ground…” Suppose your employer offered a promotion or pay increase that would mean you had to compromise your values. To refuse could cost you your job. That’s when your integrity will be tested.

He is a shield to those who walk with integrity… People with integrity walk safely… The godly walk with integrity. (Proverbs 2:7; 10:9; 20:7)

Stop & Think: April 18, 2024

Using Time Well

It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste time. (Henry Ford, early auto manufacturer)

One self-evident fact of life is that we all have the same amount of time each day and each year. How we use that time is what makes the difference. If we are healthy and of sound mind, there should surely be some evidence of the progress we’ve made. If Ford is right, we can judge our life by the way we use our time.

Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right. (Ecclesiastes 8:5)

Stop & Think: April 17, 2024

Life’s Difficulties

A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner. (Franklin D. Roosevelt, late U.S. president)

The test of a sea-faring sailor is not how smoothly he or she sails over calm seas, but how they master the storm. When the high winds buffet and the waves threaten to sink them—that’s the time when sailors must use their training and skill to right the ship and bring it safely to harbor. It’s a perfect analogy of life. Our survival skills are developed through struggle and difficulty.

Is not all human life a struggle? (Job 7:1)
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. (Isaiah 43:2)

Stop & Think: April 16, 2024

Making a Difference

If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito! (Kary Oberbrunner, author and motivational speaker)

Oberbrunner’s comment is a light but effective observation. A little mosquito or gnat can really affect our behavior as we try to ward them off. And, if the mosquito bites, the struggle is only beginning with the continual itch and discomfort. Take to heart the intended application. Each of us has the ability to affect others by our care, concern, and assistance or lack thereof.

“You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” (Matthew 25:21)

Stop & Think: April 15, 2024

Tax Day

The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax. (Albert Einstein, renowned scientist)

If you haven’t filed your 2023 tax forms yet, you will need an extension or face penalties. Some have delayed probably because they just can’t understand the 1040 directions. If Einstein recognized the difficulty, how are the rest of us to file correctly? Fortunately, there are experts that can help. We do have a duty to pay our taxes and to support and pray for our leaders.

Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority. (Romans 13:7)

Stop & Think: April 14, 2024

Courage or Comfort

We can choose courage or we can choose comfort, but we can’t have both. Not at the same time. (Brené Brown, university professor and author)

Brown is probably not thinking about soldiers in warfare when there really isn’t any choice. It often takes courage to do what they have to do. Rather, it’s likely she’s referring to the choices between doing something we know we should do or putting it off till a more convenient time. It may take courage for us to move out of our “comfort zone” to accomplish any worthy project.

Don’t try to avoid doing your duty … Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right. (Ecclesiastes 8:3, 5)