Daily Stop & Thinks

Adversity

Our character is determined not by our circumstances but by our reaction to those circumstances. (Charles Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship)

Adversity strikes all of us sooner or later. It’s a universal part of human experience. We can’t always prepare for it, so how do we handle tough situations when they arise? When we’re under them, circumstances can smother us like being under a mattress rather than on top of it. But, if we face them with patience and determination, we may discover they are helpful stepping stones.

The Lord to the Apostle Paul: “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Good Advice?

Follow your heart, listen to your inner voice, stop caring about what others think. (Roy T. Bennett, author)

This quotation can be helpful or harmful. If we’re living a life of integrity, negative criticism or false rumors shouldn’t concern us. But, as author Lysa TerKerust  put it, “Feelings are indicators, not dictators.” Because our “inner voice” often lies to us, it’s wise to evaluate our feelings and whether or not the criticism has any valid basis.

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow (Psalm 25:4).
Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found (Psalm 119:35).

Desires

Not to have is the beginning of desire. (Wallace Stevens, poet)

If we really yearn for something, we will likely work to find a way to satisfy that desire. It has long been noted that “necessity is the mother of invention.” And when we come to believe that we can’t live without something, we may be willing to do almost anything to get it. It’s good to pursue ways to fulfill legitimate desires for our own well-being and the good of others.

May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed. . . . Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. (Psalm 20:4; 27.4)

Time

Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. Once you’ve lost it, you can never get it back. (Harvey MacKay, businessman and author)

Years, months, weeks—hours, minutes; all are precious gifts that we don’t earn and can’t buy. They are part of God’s wonderful creation that enables us to use the other gifts he’s given to live and to enjoy, to grow, and to make a worthy contribution in “our” world. Ask him for the ability to see and act on those opportunities for living a life that enriches others.

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days (Ephesians 5:15-16).

Mistakes

The only real mistake is one from which we learn nothing. (John Powell, music conductor)

Author Steve Maraboli offers a helpful reminder: “We all make mistakes . . . but you are not your mistakes. You are here now with the power to shape your day and your future.” First, we should learn from our mistakes: why did it happen and how can I avoid it the next time? Then, we should recognize that improvement must begin with our own determination and effort.

A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes (Ecclesiastes 10:4).

Meeting People

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Love them anyway. (Kent M. Keith, American writer and educator)

That’s a pretty negative view of people, isn’t it? All generalizations—like that one, of course—are wrong. You probably have many friends who are happy, reasonable, logical, and self-controlled. Very likely, Keith’s point is that no matter the attitude, disposition, or pride of someone we might meet, we should respond with kindness and encouragement.

The Apostle Paul to Philemon: “I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people” (Philemon 1:5).

The Good Life

The good life is realized in our ability to hold fast to the truth and our human dignity that rests upon it. (Charles Colson, former White House counselor)

Some argue that there is no absolute truth. Colson’s life experience is a stunning example of that fundamental error. His brilliant legal mind and cunning political prowess took him to the White House. But his “good life” came crashing down because his pursuit of success was based on false realities. When he accepted God’s truth, he was restored to a life of service and dignity.

A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked (Psalm 84:10).

Seasons

Welcome, sweet November, the season of senses and my favorite month of all. (Gregory F. Lenz)

Do you have a favorite season? Some prefer the sharp cold of winter with its special activities. Others love hot summers and soaking up the sun. More probably choose spring or fall when the changing of the seasons is often so colorful. And then there are some, like Lenz, who have a favorite month. Whatever your choice, value the gift of today.

Then God said, “Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them be signs to mark the seasons, days, and years (Genesis 1:14).

The Seasons

As the last leaves fall, we say farewell to October, holding its memories like golden treasures in our hearts. (unknown)

The seasons come and go according to a consistent and unerring plan. That’s one of the few things in life we can count on. In certain locations of the world, the changes of seasons are dramatic and welcomed. Poet William Cullen Byrant observes that “Autumn [is]… the year’s last, the loveliest smile.”

Then God said, “Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them be signs to mark the seasons, days, and years” (Genesis 1:14).

Champions

True champions compete against only one person—themselves. (Source unknown)

We live in a society where competition is pervasive. When you were a kid, it could have been a chess match or a spelling bee. Adults compete on a much larger scale, even losing thousands on a sports wager. But winnings vanish quickly, and titles are forgotten. Real gains in competition are personal and come from bettering your own score and improving your own game.

I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Don’t Just Hear

It isn’t what we say or think that defines us, but what we do. (Jane Austen, author)

With all that we hear on TV, radio, and social media, you would think that broadcast speech is all that is important. But, if we hear only what politicians, podcasters, or celebrities say, we may only have a great void in truth. The best test to verify what we hear is to see what the speaker has done. “Actions speak louder than words,” so to paraphrase Ronald Regan, “Listen, then verify.”

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers (1 Peter 3:12).

Plan to Finish

Have enough courage to start and enough heart to finish. (Jessica N. S. Youric, unknown)

Anything of value must have a beginning and an end. Whether it’s a material object or a work project, it’s of little value if left incomplete. You may need to overcome the reluctance to begin a job, fearing that you can’t complete it. Or maybe you’ve started something with promise, but now you’re stalled. Pick up the task again with courage and the determination to complete it.

Finishing is better than starting (Ecclesiastes 7:8).
Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving (2 Corinthians 8:11).