GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: February 25, 2022

Risk

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. (T. S. Eliot, 20th century British literary critic)

Lots of people avoid risks at almost any cost. They carefully plan every move to avoid the least possibility of danger or harm. Others seem to have no fear. They climb mountains, swim oceans, do daredevil stunts. Eliot encourages the kind of risk-taking that is a careful adventure beyond the status quo to discover one’s creative abilities and expand knowledge and experience.

I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me… (Acts 20:24)

Stop & Think: February 24, 2022

Salvation

You cannot save people, you can only love them. (Anais Nin, 20th century essayist)

Nin is thinking not about physical rescue, because it is possible to save someone’s life, and we rejoice when we hear of it happening. She is more likely thinking of our inability to change the character and persona of someone who seems to be beyond help. It’s a spiritual question, and we have to look beyond the physical and emotional to offer permanent help.

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it… For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. (Luke 9:24; 19:10)

Stop & Think: February 23, 2022

Pride

I am an instrument strung but preferring to play itself because it thinks it knows the tune better than the Musician. (C. S. Lewis, late British scholar)

That’s Lewis’ confession of his own pride. Some of us find it easy to criticize others or to offer suggestions about how a musical or written work could be improved. In doing so, we may unintentionally, perhaps, belittle the scholarship or artistry of another. Really, in thinking our ideas are better than theirs, we are giving in to our own pride.

Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor… The Lord detests the proud; they will surely be punished (Proverbs 29:23; 16:5)

Stop & Think: February 22, 2022

Liberty

Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth. (George Washington)

When a nation—or an individual, for that matter—is set free from bondage, the first breaths of freedom may be overwhelming. But that’s only a beginning. That newfound freedom can continue to grow into a rich sense of liberty, but unless it is protected, it may face a quick demise. Guarding it carefully will enhance its growth in a person and a nation.

Don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13)

Stop & Think: February 21, 2022

Success

Success is sometimes the outcome of a whole string of failures. (Vincent Van Gogh)

If, as suggested in yesterday’s “Stop and Think,” we do respond to failure by getting up, we have at least the hope of ultimate success. Van Gogh acknowledges that “a whole string of failures” can result in something very profitable. It’s what we learn from those fiascos that will help us move forward with fewer failings and more successes.

And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful… Please, Lord, please give us success. (Psalm 90:17; 118:25)

Stop & Think: February 20, 2022

Defeat

What we do when defeat stares us in the face is the real touchstone of character. (Orison Swett Marden, 19th and 20th century American author)

At one time or another probably every active person has, as Marden put it, had “defeat stare us in the face.” It’s a daunting experience, isn’t it? No one likes to fail—not even to lose at checkers—but how we address those moments will determine ultimate success or failure. We can “cry over spilt milk” or wipe it up and move on. Trite, perhaps, but a good analogy for overcoming defeat.

If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small . . . The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. (Proverbs 24:10, 16)

Stop & Think: February 19, 2022

Failure

Ninety-nine percent (99%) of failures come from people who make excuses. (George Washington Carver, 20th century American scientist)

When confronted with a failed project, most people are likely, as Carver says, to make excuses. Comedian Flip Wilson used to say, “The devil made me do it.” Why is it so hard to admit that we’ve made a mistake or failed to fulfill our assignment? The first step to overcoming our errors is just to admit them. Then, we can begin to start over with good intentions and confidence.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. (Romans 3:23)

Stop & Think: February 18, 2022

Perspective

Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant? (Henry David Thoreau, 19th century American essayist)

Others have said we should walk a mile in another person’s shoes to understand him and how he thinks. No doubt it would make life easier if we could see things from the other person’s perspective when we’re having a meaningful discussion. To think only from our point of view is to limit our ability to understand one another.

I appeal to you… [to] agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. (1 Corinthians 1:10)

Stop & Think: February 17, 2022

Leadership

Leadership is not someone at the top. It’s the person who takes the initiative and takes responsibility for either the opportunity or the crisis right in front of them. (Os Guiness, social critic)

Guiness is likely suggesting that we most often have an incorrect understanding of leadership. In his view, it’s the person who gets something done when he or she sees the need. You don’t have to be elected or appointed to a position of authority over others, you simply have to move forward when the occasion is right. Without doubt, others will follow your lead.

Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. (Ephesians 5:16)

Stop & Think: February 16, 2022

Rain

The best thing one can do when it’s raining is let it rain. (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

It’s a simple, obvious statement. Unless you’re planning to play in the rain, you’ll probably stay indoors or use an umbrella. The one thing you can’t do is make it stop raining. You can’t always stop what’s happening in life, either. So, let it happen and take care to restore your balance when it’s all over so you’re prepared for the next unexpected event.

So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. (1 Peter 1:13)

Stop & Think: February 15, 2022

Presidents’ Day

Any man worth his salt will stick up for what he believes [is] right . . . (Andrew Jackson, 7th U.S. president)

Jackson continues, “. . . but it takes a slightly better man to acknowledge instantly and without reservation that he is in error.” Remember the old Happy Days TV sitcom? Fonzie just could not admit to making a mistake. He stammered trying. That is a pretty good picture of many proud people who think they’re always right. Better the person who acknowledges his failures.

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. (James 5:17)

Stop & Think: February 14, 2022

Valentine’s Day

Love is not just looking at each other; it’s looking in the same direction. (Antoine de Saint Exupéry, 20th century French poet)

Many dollars will be spent today on flowers, candy, and cards to express our love for someone.  Some will contain sentimental and even silly expressions. But love is a strong and important emotion. Saint-Exupéry’s simple comment might be helpful. When we truly love someone, we will want to be moving with the same purpose and intention as our loved one.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:7)