GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: March 21, 2022

Wisdom

But wisdom is shown to be right by its results. (The Bible)

The proof is in the pudding. “Generally, the expression [is] used to say that the real worth… of something can only be determined by putting it to the test by trying…it, …just as the best test of a pudding is to eat it” (dictionary). That’s certainly true about thinking matters. Talk is cheap; the test is in the reality of its expression.

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13)

Stop & Think: March 20, 2022

Friends

Friends are God’s way of taking care of us. (Unknown hospice worker)

Christians believe that God is really all they need. He promises to provide for his children, and many can testify to his abundant provision. One of those wonderful provisions is friends. Whether long-time or just-at-the-right moment, when God sends a friend to help in a time of need—what a great blessing that is! Be a good friend and be grateful for your good friends.

Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends (Luke 16:9). A real friend sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

Stop & Think: March 19, 2022

Creativity

You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. (Maya Angelou, late American poet)

Angelou’s comment is an encouragement and a challenge. Sometimes we may feel that we just don’t have any more good ideas, our creative pool seems to be drained. If we understand that we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), whose creativity is unlimited, it should inspire us to keep those inventive juices flowing, aided with a prayer for God’s help.

I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make . . . They excel as craftsmen and as designers. (Exodus 31:6; 35:25)

Stop & Think: March 18, 2022

Companions

If you choose bad companions no one will believe that you are anything but bad yourself. (Aesop’s Fables)

This is really good advice for young people who are often attracted to friends who seem to have so much, accomplish so much, and have great influence among their peers.  Even when it is suspected that their activity is not always above board, the attraction for apparent success may be overwhelming. That’s why parents must help them choose the right friends and stick with them.

You must not associate with people who claim to be believers but continue to live in sin (1 Corinthians 5:11). Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts (2 Timothy 2:22). 

Stop & Think: March 17, 2022

Happiness

Happiness is something that multiplies when it is divided. (Paulo Coehlo, Brazilian lyricist)

A truly happy person can hardly keep his joy to himself. It shows up in his smile, his speech, and his behavior. He or she will rarely keep it to themselves. Unlike sadness—which can often be clearly seen in another, joy may not be shared quite as easily or spontaneously. The person who shares his happiness is all the more blessed and happier. Do your best to make others happy, too.

A glad heart makes a happy face . . . for the happy heart, life is a continual feast (Proverbs 15:13, 15). Be happy with those who are happy. (Romans 12:15)

Stop & Think: March 16, 2022

Think and Act

While we stop to think, we often miss our opportunity (Publilius Syrus, 1st century BC, Latin writer)

Does this sound counterintuitive to you? We are often encouraged to think before we act, to give a project careful thought before launching out. Maybe Syrus is warning against “over-think.” We can waste a lot of time trying to consider all the possibilities of a particular venture, losing the opportunity that is there to take. Think, yes, but act on what you’ve already discovered.

Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. (Galatians 6:10)

Stop & Think: March 15, 2022

Patience

Patience is also a form of action. (Auguste Rodin, 19th-20th century French sculptor)

Just think of the time Rodin spent contemplating and then designing his famous sculptures. There may have been times when he worked fairly quickly, but you can’t imagine frenzied activity when it comes to doing great art. Rodin’s thought is challenging. Deciding to wait, to think, to plan—all of that is a kind of action that makes the final activity work well.

Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city (Proverbs 16:32). Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride (Ecclesiastes 7:8). 

 

Stop & Think: March 14, 2022

Truth

There are a dozen views about everything until you know the answer. (C. S. Lewis, British apologist)

Lewis concludes, “Then there’s never more than one.” Because we live in a pluralistic society, there is not just one view on life or its events and people. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, and there are almost as many as there are people. What a relief it is to know that there is a source of truth and careful study of it will give us the right answers.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15).

Stop & Think: March 13, 2022

Excellence

Be intent upon the perfection of the present day. (William Law, 18th-century English priest)

Most people probably want to pursue excellence in their involvements whether it’s work, sports, or the arts. But there often comes a time when we’re tired or discouraged, and we’re tempted to let down and not give it our best at the moment. Law’s comment should encourage us to never take a break in the pursuit of excellence. Always work to be as close to perfection as possible.

But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. (Philippians 3:1:2)

Stop & Think: March 12, 2022

Plans

Don’t plan it all. Let life surprise you a little. (Julia Alvarez, novelist and essayist)

Having a plan is usually a good thing as we move forward in work or study. Strict adherence to a detailed strategy, however, may cause us to miss the joy and excitement of occasional spontaneity. Interrupting a crowded, detailed schedule can provide a moment for rest and reflection as well as a change-of-pace that may be really good for our morale and well-being.

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

Stop & Think: March 11, 2022

Pain

The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials. (Chinese proverb)

Pain is a mixed blessing for all of us. Without pain we wouldn’t know that our hand is too close to a hot stove. We wouldn’t recognize that our body is telling us that something is wrong and needs to be looked at. And then there’s the painful admonition from a friend, pointing out a hurtful word we’ve spoken or an injury we’ve caused. Either kind of pain is a cause for change.

The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful (Ecclesiastes 12:11).  

Stop & Think: March 10, 2022

Setbacks

Not failure, but low aim is the crime. In great attempts, it is glorious even to fail. (Bruce Lee, late martial artist)

No one wants to fail. Our plan is to succeed, to complete the task well. But, as almost everyone has discovered, things don’t always go as planned. Sometimes our project fails. A failure to reach the mountain summit may be discouraging, but it also may have been well worth the effort if the experience brought emotional growth and success.

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22)