Daily Stop & Thinks

The Basics

The restatement of the obvious is the first duty of intelligent men. (George Orwell, 20^th-century writer)

Someone might be criticized for always stating the obvious. After all, if it is so well-known, why is repeating it necessary at all? On the other hand, no constructive progress can be made without beginning with what has already been discovered or stated. Overlooking the basics can be a major difficulty for successful planning.

The wise are known for their understanding. (Proverbs 16:21)

Choices II

Every choice reduces [a little] one’s freedom to choose the next time. (C. S. Lewis, late British author)

Perhaps you’ve never thought about choices the way Lewis did. We’ve all made decisions without considering the effect those choices will have on subsequent decisions. Choosing a particular lifestyle will give direction to many subsequent choices: associations, work opportunities, and much more. Make wise choices today to guarantee good options in the future.

A wise person chooses the right road; a fool takes the wrong one. (Ecclesiastes 10:2)

Choices I

No matter how many books you read, no matter how many schools you attend, you’re never really wise until you start making wise choices. (Marie T. Freeman, teacher)

We may not be reading as many books as we once did, but some of us are listening to audiobooks. Many others are reading blogs and listening to podcasts, so we’re almost overwhelmed with information of all kinds. But, as Freeman points out, it’s not the quantity of knowledge, but how we choose to use it personally and for the benefit of others that’s important.

Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. . . Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 8:10; 22:1)

Christmas Is Coming (in three weeks)

Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it white. (Bing Crosby, late popular singer)

Even Bing Crosby, who introduced the popular song, “White Christmas,” recognized that the annual holiday is more than just a pretty scene on a postcard or time for family gift-giving. Indeed, it is a time to share blessings, but we must never forget that the greatest gift of Christmas was the coming of God’s Son to offer life by faith in his redemptive work of grace.

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.  (John 3:16)

Hope

There is tremendous energy in the present power of a future hope. (Linda Brumbaugh, blog writer)

Life often seems dark and foreboding. Whether it’s the failures of the past or today’s discouragements, sometimes it seems that life is overwhelming. When we are in a dark place, it’s difficult to think about the future, isn’t it? That’s where genuine hope is needed—not in the circumstances of this life but in the hope Jesus offers those who trust him.

We are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. (Philippians 3:20)

Change

If you don’t like where you are, change. (Chris Suitt, pastor)

Suitt continues: “If you don’t like what you have become or where you are at the moment; you don’t have to stay there!” Sometimes we find ourselves in unhappy circumstances. If they continue, we would do well to heed Suitt’s advice. Change is often hard but moving into a better environment or pursuing more positive opportunities may be your best move.

Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. (Isaiah 55:7)

Lying

There is simply no way to undo the mischief a lie can produce. (Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship)

After his conversion, Chuck Colson, acknowledged the error of his conduct as a politician and government official and the suffering he had caused others. Later, he faced the consequences of lies told to discredit his new way of life and ministry. Little white lies can lead to a life-long habit of deception, and that’s not easily changed. Just ask Colson!

Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. . . The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. (Proverbs 12:19, 22)

Worldview

Get correct views of life and learn to see the world in its true light. (Robert E. Lee, Confederate leader)

Everyone has what we call a “worldview,” That is, the perspective from which you view life and all that goes on around you.” You might see it as hopeless and aimless; we can’t control much of what may happen. Or you might view life as having a designed plan, and we can be a constructive part of it. If so, Lee says, “It will enable you to live pleasantly [and] to do good.”

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)

Mistakes

A life making mistakes is not only honorable, but more useful than a life doing nothing. (George Bernard Shaw, 19^th-20^th century Irish playwright)

Some of us are fearful of making mistakes, knowing all the while that everybody does, and we will again and again. As Shaw notes, there is no shame in well-intended slip-ups. He’s right, of course; the only way to avoid those blunders is to do nothing. And what’s more, we probably learn more from the errors we’ve made than from our successes. So, keep on doing your best!

Indeed, we all make many mistakes. (James 3:2)

A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes. (Ecclesiastes 10:4)

God’s Plan

When God wants to play a practical joke on you, He grants your deepest wish. (Cynthia Heiml author, Village Voice)

It’s not a joking matter, but Heiml’s point is well-taken. Many of the things we wish for can turn out to be harmful. It’s like a mother yielding to a child’s nagging request for something she doesn’t want him to have. When she finally gives in, he might very well find out it wasn’t worth all that yelling. Mother knows best. And certainly, God does.

The Lord will work out his plans for my life. (Psalm 138:8)

Conscience

Nothing ruins a face so fast as double-dealing. (Jessamyn West, late American author)

West continues, “Your face telling one story to the world. Your heart yanking your face to pieces, trying to let the truth be known.” Have you ever found it difficult to keep a “straight face” when you’re trying to hide some truth? It’s good that our conscience convicts us when we’re trying to lie. It is possible to learn how to keep a clear conscience, so work hard at it.

Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving because their minds and consciences are corrupted. (Titus 1:15)

Thanksgiving Day

I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual. (Henry David Thoreau. 19^th century essayist)

“Thank you!” Those are such sweet words to hear when you’ve tried to do something for someone else. We should practice the habit of showing our gratitude to anyone who treats us well. More than that, we should continually be in an attitude of gratitude when we consider the grace and goodness of God as citizens, families, and people whom he has blessed richly.

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. (1 Chronicles 16:8)