GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: February 13, 2022

Finding the Best

When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves. (William Ward Ayer, late American pastor)

In a society that too often is self-centered, many people do not seem to understand that they are part of a larger community. To them, it’s always looking out for their own interests and advancements. Others have discovered the truth of Ayer’s observation. It’s a joy to see and appreciate the positive traits in others and a double joy to discover your own strengths.

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25)

Stop & Think: February 12, 2022

Happiness

We’re just about as happy as we make up our minds to be. (Abraham Lincoln)

On this birthday of Lincoln, we are grateful not only for his political savviness and leadership but also for his down-home logic and simplicity. A lot of people spend time, energy, and money trying to find or create happiness as if it were to be found in things or places. In reality, being happy is the result of right thinking and behavior.

A glad heart makes a happy face… For the happy heart, life is a continual feast. (Proverbs 15:13, 15)

Stop & Think: February 11, 2022

Feelings

Hope is the feeling we have that the feeling we have is not permanent. (Mignon McLaughlin)

As noted yesterday, “No feeling is final.” We may feel bad when we know that some really great feeling like joy, love, or happiness is not going to last. On the other hand, it’s a great comfort to know that feelings of sadness, disappointment, and failure will pass too. What we must remember is that our lives should be strongly attached to something more lasting than feelings.

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. (Jeremiah 17:7)

Stop & Think: February 10, 2022

Feelings

Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. (Ranier Maria Rilke, late Austrian poet)

Here’s the real lesson from Rilke in his final comment: “No feeling is final.” His counsel to “just keep going” is worthy advice. No matter the circumstance, we can’t just stop living, we must move on. But the Hallmark movie advice, “Just follow your feelings,” can be dangerous advice. Not only do feelings change; they must be balanced with clear thinking and reason.

Wise people think before they act. (Proverbs 13:16)

Stop & Think: February 9, 2022

Know it All

It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers. (James Thurber, late humorist and author)

Have you ever known someone who had all the answers, no matter what the questions? He or she wasn’t always the nicest person to be around; conversations were often short-changed because an answer was quickly given before there was any helpful discussion. Maybe, like Jeopardy, we might begin with the answer and try to find the questions. Would that be helpful?

Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. (1 Corinthians 8:2)

Stop & Think: February 8, 2022

Courage

One man with courage makes a majority. (Often attributed to Andrew Jackson)

Although it’s unclear as to who may have first made this statement, it certainly offers a challenge to anyone facing a really tough situation. Perhaps one person with foresight and daring will recruit a team of others to face the dilemma. But if you’re by yourself and must face the problem alone, it would be wise to exercise faith and trust in the One who is able.

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Stop & Think: February 7, 2022

Do I or Don’t I?       

If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse. (Jim Rohn, late entrepreneur)

When it comes to a project or chore that needs attention, we are sometimes faced with a dilemma: do I really want to do this? How important is it to me? How much time will it take? Am I capable? It really just boils down to what we want to do, and Rohn explains the two alternatives. The basic issues, then, are motivation and priority. Choose well.

All who are prudent act with knowledge (Proverbs 13:16). For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose (Philippians 2:13).

Stop & Think: February 6, 2022

Truth 

The truth isn’t always beauty, but the hunger for it is. (Nadine Gordimer, late Nobel prize-winning author)

Someone has said that the truth hurts only when it applies. Indeed, the truth can be painful, but it is a necessary factor in successful community living. We can’t function well on continual lies and cover-ups. The mantra for achieving justice in the court of law is “Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” Never abandon the pursuit of truth.

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free… Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. (John 8:32; 17:17)

Stop & Think: February 5, 2022

Prayer

Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance but laying hold of His willingness. (Martin Luther King)

The Apostle James wrote, “You don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure (James 4:2-3). We can go to a loving God with our needs, but our motives must be pure and unselfish. When our hearts are right, God will respond for our good.

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. (Psalm 37:4)

 

Stop & Think: February 4, 2022

Friendship

True friendship is never serene. (Marquise de Sevigne, noted 17th century French letter-writer)

Poet Kahil Gibran put it this way, “Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.” Long-time friends have learned to be honest and candid. They don’t gloss over failures. They suffer with their friends but are careful to offer gentle correction when it’s appropriate. True friends work together lovingly for mutual improvement and benefit.

Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy . . .  The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. (Proverbs 27:6, 9)

Stop & Think: February 3, 2022

Life and Love

To live is to love. To love is to risk. To risk pain is to live. (Lysa TerKeurst. Inspirational author)

TerKeurst concludes, “It’s what it means to be truly human.” Love, risk, live—three words of significance to consider carefully. No one really wants pain, and everyone wants to love and be loved. Sadly, we all have experienced the hurt and pain that sometimes results from loving and losing. But in spite of that risk, it is really worth the cost of loving.

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

Stop & Think: February 2, 2022

Perspective

The best view comes after the hardest climb. (Author unknown)

This must have been said after a successful climb up some high peak, while enjoying a beautiful view of the horizon. Photos of such a vision can be awe-inspiring but perhaps not quite as grand as the personal sight. Life is like that, too. After the long and hard struggle in a difficult time—the new perspective can be greatly uplifting and give new hope.

What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. (Romans 8:18)