Daily Stop & Thinks

Reading

Reading to the mind is what exercise is to the body. (Richard Steele, 17^th-18^th century Irish writer)

Reading seems to be an increasingly lost habit. It isn’t that people can’t read; it’s just that they don’t. With TV and radio news, social media, and a host of visual entertainment venues—why read? It is helpful that some good literature has been transferred to movies and audio books, but still there’s something lost when imagination is replaced by pictures. Read to grow and imagine!

God blesses the one who reads this prophecy…and he blesses all who listen to it and obey what it says (Revelation 1:3).

Sharing Life

Life can only be kept by giving it away. But then it will bloom. (Anne Rivers Siddons, late American novelist)

It’s an extreme sacrifice when someone gives his or her life for another, whether in war or in a life-saving emergency. But sharing your life with someone is also a valuable gift, and it doesn’t diminish your own life at all. As Siddons suggests, it blooms in the life of someone else. What a wonderful way to add to the bouquet of shared community.

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13)

Choices

When passions run high and prejudices ignore realities, current and future damage is almost beyond imagination. (Jesse Deloe, editor, writer)

That is all too evident in a political environment preceding elections. Having strong feelings and opinions is natural, especially when a wide political divide exists prior to recording our choices of candidates. Too often our hopes and dreams are based on poor information and unrealistic dreams. Sober thinking and careful judgment –along with prayer– are essential in such times.

The King’s counsel: “Always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the Lord.” (2 Chronicles 19:6)

Expectations

The burden of expectations may be one of the greatest drawbacks to success. (Radio comment)

It’s good to set goals and plan for high achievement; that way we know where we’re heading, and we can work hard to reach those goals. Sometimes, however, especially when we’re thinking of others and their pursuits, expectations can be unrealistic. It can be discouraging both to the observer and the worker when we are unrealistic in our projects. Plan carefully and realistically.

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity. . . Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 21:5; 16:3)

Fear II

Fear is the darkroom where negatives develop. Faith is the greenhouse where life is birthed! (Jim Brown, pastor)

People who live in fear, as Brown says, are prone to thinking negatively about life in general and their own plight specifically. Of course, there are many things to be fearful of—disease, drunk drivers, thieves—but a life of fear becomes unbearable after a while. We need to discover what is right and true and put our hope in those realities.

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)

Fear I

Fear does not stop death. It stops life. And worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles. It takes way today’s peace. (Source unknown)

Fear and worry seem to be widespread today even among otherwise confident, assured people. Whether it’s the coronavirus, urban violence, or political uncertainties, so many people live in fear of current dangers or the unknown future. There’s too little in the news or social media that brings calm. It’s time to look at the true source of confidence and hope rather than today’s news.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7).

Labor II

The fruit derived from labor is the sweetest of pleasures. (Luc de Clapier, 18^th century French writer and moralist)

It takes a little growing-up to learn the truth of de Clapier’s comment. When things come easily, we don’t usually appreciate them as much as when we work hard and earn them. Furthermore, André Gide, a later French author, notes that “No human masterpiece has been created without great labor.” So, whether it’s physical work or mental effort, work hard and reap the benefit.

You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be! (Psalm 128:2)

Labor I

Work is no disgrace. The disgrace is idleness. (Greek proverb)

On this annual Labor Day, we celebrate the workers of the past who have made continual improvements to the way we can live our personal and community lives today. Thanks, too, to the laborers who continue to provide not only the necessities of life but all of the “extras” that make life more enjoyable and worthwhile.

And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God. (Ecclesiastes 8:13)

Patience

Of all the life-lessons, the phrase, “Just be patient,” is among the most difficult for all human beings (Andy Simkins, minister).

Why is it so difficult to be patient? Is it because our agenda is so important to us that we can’t adjust to someone else’s plans? Perhaps we need to learn what some wise person has said, “Patience is the ability to graciously do life at someone else’s pace.” If we can begin to think more of others than of ourselves, we no doubt could learn to be more patient.

May God, who gives . . . patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other. (Romans 15:5)

Discovery

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19^th century American essayist)

Poet Robert Frost put it this way, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” Some of us like to stay on familiar paths and follow the same routines. It gives us a sense of stability. Unfortunately, we may miss out on learning new ways and discovering new ideas. Be brave, try something new!

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)

Devotion

Discipline says, “I need to.” Duty says, “I ought to.” Devotion says, “I want to.” (Adrian Rogers, Bible Teacher)

The great tenor, Luciano Pavarotti, put it this way, “People think it’s discipline. It is not discipline. It is devotion. There is a great difference.” Devotion has a nice ring to it; discipline, however, seems harsh and unkind. In reality, both are needed to achieve greatness in any field of endeavor. Think of discipline as self-control and work at it diligently to thrive.

Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. . . Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity (Proverbs 13:4; 21:5)

Keep On

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. (Babe Ruth, late baseball start)

Babe Ruth held the record for having struck out more times than anyone else in his era. But he wasn’t noted for strike outs but for home runs—a record he held for many years. He didn’t let his failure to hit on many occasions keep him from trying to get a hit the next time. That’s a pretty good lesson for all of us. To keep on trying after making an error is the way to success.

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)