GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: October 29, 2020

Destiny

We write our own destiny. We become what we do. (Madame Chiang Kai-shek, late Chinese political figure) 

Making choices through life pretty well determines what we become. Choices result in actions; we make a choice and we move on. The sum of those choices establishes our character and our reputation. We are affected by others, to be sure, but their influence cannot control our activity or destiny without our choosing. Stand firm in what is right, making choices carefully.

You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. (Psalm 73:24)

Stop & Think: October 28, 2020

Choose Well

The choice you make, makes you. (John Wooden, successful basketball coach)

Choice and attitude are two of the very few things we can control in life. Whatever the circumstances or environment, we have to make choices, and Wooden argues that those choices really determine who we will be in terms of character and integrity. Wise King Solomon noted, “A wise person chooses the right road; a fool takes the wrong one.” (The Bible)

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:10)

Stop & Think: October 27, 2020

Doing Good

Judge each day not by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant. (Robert Louis Stevenson, 19th century Scottish poet)

We always appreciate a good harvest. When the tomatoes come in, full and ripe, we are pleased with the number and relish their taste. Likewise, when our business plans succeed, and we produce good products and market them successfully, we’re very happy. But, when it comes to living a productive life, Stevenson helps us discover a better way to evaluate our impact.

They [who fear the Lord]. . .  share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.  (Psalm 112:8-9)

Stop & Think: October 26, 2020

What Do We Really Love?

The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost. (G. K. Chesterton, late English writer)

We do place value on a lot of things, and we probably do have a strong attachment to some—a pet, our close friends, the family Bible. But, do we often take them for granted? How much time do we spend with them? Do we use them a lot?  Could we get along without them? It would be good for us to consider where our important attachments are and how we can nurture them.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2)

Stop & Think: October 25, 2020

Admiration

Learn to admire with the desire to acquire. (Source unknown)

What is this rhyming ditty all about? Surely, it’s more than coveting someone else’s prized possession. More likely, it’s a challenge to pursue the qualities you discover in another person. You might think, “I would really like to have the clear-thinking ability of that person.” Or, “I wish I had her patience.”  It’s good to want to acquire the positive qualities we see in others.

Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).

Stop & Think: October 24, 2020

Make a Difference

[People] are willing to follow if given a chance to make a difference. (Sam Ranier, author)

It sometimes seems that some leaders are stuck in a rut, offering the same information and challenges they’ve been offering forever. No one is interested in the “same ol’, same ol.” We’ve heard it all before, and we’re not seeing much change. We don’t want to continue in the same meaningless endeavors. Give us a chance to make a difference, and we’re all in!

Without wise leadership, a nation falls. . . If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. (Proverbs 11:14; Romans 12:8)

Stop & Think: October 23, 2020

Thinking

An open mind makes a wide-open future possible. (Anonymous)

Some folks are so closed-minded that they can’t even imagine anything different from what they already know for sure. They’re really missing out on opportunities to learn and enjoy new experiences. Clothes designer, Coco Chanel expressed a contrary opinion, “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” Think with an open mind, though.

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. . . The virtuous think before they act (Proverbs 12:15; 21:29)

Stop & Think: October 22, 2020

Against the Wind

Kites rise highest against the wind—not with it! (Winston Churchill, British WW II prime minister)

A lot of us have not had much success flying kites. To the contrary, often without much effort some kids have kites of all sizes and shapes soaring high into the sky. The rest of us get knots in the string, see the thin paper tear or the wood frames break—and it’s discouraging. In reality, of course, there is some skill in flying a kite, but the biggest reason for success is a strong wind.

Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things. (Ecclesiastes 11:5)

Stop & Think: October 21, 2020

You are Blessed!

Forget the day’s troubles, remember the day’s blessings. (Source unknown)

That’s another “easier said than done” sentiment. Troubles seem to mount more quickly and higher than blessings sometimes. But remembering an old church hymn might help. “When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one.” That’s a good placed to start.

The godly are showered with blessings. . . My cup overflows with blessings. (Proverbs 10:6; Psalm 23:5)

Stop & Think: October 20, 2020

Thoughts

Once you replace your negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start getting positive results. (Willie Nelson, Country music star)

It seems like such simple advice, but many have found it’s not all that easy. The news about illnesses, civil disruptions, and all the political palaver often make it difficult to think positively about life today. The simple answer—as difficult as it may seem to be –is to focus our attention on the positives of life and their source—the truth that God has given us in the Bible.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8)

Stop & Think: October 19, 2020

Moving Up

Don’t complain about the bottom rungs of the ladder; they helped to get you higher. (Warren Wiersbe, writer)

Some people are so enamored with their own position in life that they don’t remember how they got there. They’ve forgotten the months and years they worked in entry level positions to achieve the skills that helped them advance to greater responsibility. Wiersbe counsels leaders to have respect for those who are beginning the climb up the ladder and help them advance.

Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. (1 Peter 4:11)

Stop & Think: October 18, 2020

Leave the Safe Harbor

A ship in port is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for. (John A. Shedd, 19th & 20th century business executive)

Safety may be the primary concern when it comes to shipping, but you won’t have much use for the ship if it does not venture out into the sea to deliver its passengers or merchandise to their intended destination. What is it that keeps us from moving out into the unknown seas of life? Prepare well and use good judgment, then dare to leave port and pursue new ventures.

O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas. (Psalm 65:5)