Daily Stop & Thinks

Life

Don’t be afraid your life will end; be afraid that it will never begin. (Grace Hansen, author)

There are probably not a lot of people who are fearful that they are facing an early death. But for those who do, perhaps, as Hansen suggests, they could be helped if they were made to think positively about what life can be like. They need to begin to think positively about life’s possibilities rather than be obsessed with the fear of premature death.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12)

Acceptance

Acceptance is building a bridge not making a point, winning a heart not winning an argument, and accepting not convincing. (Mike Lee, pastor)

Do we sometimes reject other people because they have different opinions? Can’t we be friends with someone of a different political ideology or the fan of a different sports team? We would do well to make note of Lee’s comments. In our attempts to win an argument, make our point, or convince others that we are right, we may find that we have sacrificed friends and influence.

Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. (Romans 14:1)

Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars. (Proverbs 18:19).

Leading

A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd. (Max Lucado, author)

This expression may seem a little trite, but it’s intended to make an important point. As writer Cody Diza puts it, “[The point] is that a good leader doesn’t do his job for praise or recognition. The best leaders,” he said, “are the ones who do their job silently and enable their employees” (read orchestra musicians). Forget the crowd and work hard to lead your followers well.

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

Questions and Answers

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. (Albert Einstein, renowned scientist)

Parents, do you remember what it was like when your children seemed to ask unending “Whys”?  We may have grown tired of the repeated queries, but we understood that asking questions is the best way to learn. That’s still true—whatever our age. As they say, “Inquiring minds want to know.” Ask the right questions and be sure to go to the right sources for answers.

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

We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. (Proverbs 16:1)

Rest

It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late and work your worried fingers to the bone. (The Bible)

Do you know any “workaholics”? They may accomplish a lot on their jobs, but at what price? Some of us have had to learn the hard way that we need to take time off—a day a week, maybe. Or at least a few planned days away from the office or factory. The Bible writer continued, “Don’t you know [God) enjoys giving sleep to those he loves.” How healthful it is to follow reasonable working hours, get sufficient rest, and take extended time off for some “R & R.”

You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest. (Exodus 31:15)

Training

The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in battle. (Scott Klusendorf of Life Training Institute)

It’s probably another way of saying, “No pain, no gain,” What military recruits learn through the tough days of training may very likely make the difference between injury or life and death. The same could be said about civilian life. We must always be prepared physically, emotionally, and spiritually for the unexpected trials of life. Scripture refers to this as putting on God’s armor.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. (Ephesians 6:13)

Limits

Emotionally healthy people understand the limits God has given them. (Peter Scazzero, author)

Most people don’t like limits or boundaries of any kind. “Let me be free to do whatever I want; It’s my life so leave me alone,” they might say. Unfortunately, we’ve seen what that’s done to way too many young people today. Overdoses, suicides, and wild living not only affect them but their family, friends, and the entire world. It’s far better to stay within reasonable limits.

[Warning]: I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment. (Jude 1:6)

Remember

We do not remember days, we remember moments. (Cesare Pavese, late Italian novelist)

Husbands are often chided for forgetting their wife’s birthday or their anniversary. In their defense, regarding their wedding day, it could probably be argued that, while they do forget the date, they certainly do remember the occasion. And, really, that is far more significant, isn’t it? Perhaps the answer, husbands, is to celebrate more of your special moments throughout the year. 

For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. (Ephesians 5:23)

Work II

We can’t become what we need to be by remaining what we are. (Oprah Winfrey, TV personality)

Can contentment ever become complacency? That is, if we are really satisfied with what and where we are at any given time, will that stifle possible growth and improvement? There may be so much more we can be and do if we recognize that learning and growth are important—even critical—to becoming all that we are intended to be, especially for the benefit of others.

Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. (Proverbs 12:24)

Work I

There is no scarcity of opportunity to make a living at what you love. There’s only scarcity of resolve to make it happen. (Wayne Dyer, self-help, best-selling author)

Jobs are sometimes hard to find. At other times, there are lots of jobs, but they are often in fields that we have no interest in or are not trained for. Dyer argues that if you are really determined to work at something you care about, you’ll find a way to do it. What a challenge! Work hard to determine your skills and resources and begin to diligently pursue that desired work.

I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. (Ephesians 3:22)

Sacrifice

Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice and is never the result of selfishness. (Napoleon Hill, American editor)

Success in life often requires giving up a great deal of time, effort, or expense to reach your goals. The athlete spends hours in the gym or on the track, building up his body and strength in order to win. The musician uses constant discipline to practice his or her skill to become the very best at his instrument. How much am I willing to give to accomplish worthy goals? 

Jesus: “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

Leadership

Good leaders must first become good servants. (Robert K. Greenleaf, leadership author)

Many people aspire to be leaders, whether it’s in education, athletics, or politics. Few achieve success without learning good principles of leadership. The most successful leaders have learned their role by, first of all, being good followers, having learned what it’s like to be led well and observed the qualities and practices of successful leaders. Note the example of Jesus.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others. . . (Matthew 20:28)