GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: November 2, 2024

Election Choices 2

While it’s true that we can’t save the country with a single election; the reality is that we could very well lose it. (Tony Perkins, President, The Family Research Council).

We’d like to think, wouldn’t we, that this (or any election) would bring unity among our citizens and just settle things down for decades to come? History has clearly demonstrated, however, that there may be a brief “honeymoon” period after an election, but people revert to their previously strong divisive opinions, and disunity resumes again. Thankfully, God remains in control!

All authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God . . . The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. (Romans 13:1, 4, 5)

Stop & Think: November 1, 2024

Election Choices

Instead of not voting or simply casting your ballot for “the lesser of two evils,” vote to lessen evil. (John Stonestreet, The Colson Center)

Nearly every presidential election cycle, we’ve been told: “This is the most important election in the history of our country.” Even though we may think that neither candidate meets the standards we’d like to uphold, it is not only our privilege, but our duty to vote. Let’s consider Stonestreet’s good counsel when we enter the voting booth in a few days.

The path of the virtuous leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe. (Proverbs 16:17)

Stop & Think: October 31, 2024

Honor

There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. (Ernest Hemingway, American novelist)

While many people may suffer from an inferiority complex, fewer have a view of themselves as being somewhat superior to others. It may be in athletic or academic comparison, but such people aren’t always pleasant to be around. And Hemingway’s comment is worthy of note. We should all strive for excellence, which could be our most noble endeavor.

Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor . . . True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. (Proverbs 15:33; 22:4)

Stop & Think: October 30, 2024

Originality or Imitation?

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. (Herman Melville, 19th century  American novelist)

Far too many think that Imitation is the way to success. Haven’t you noticed that most popular musical groups are imitations of others; each sounds pretty much like every other one? The styles, harmonies, outfits, and volume look and sound the same no matter which groups you might see and hear. The Bible teaches only one area where imitation is better than originality.

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do . . . Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. (Ephesians 5:1-2)

Stop & Think: October 29, 2024

Practice

You must have confidence in your ability to make the shot required. This comes from practice. (Byron Nelson, late professional golfer)

No matter the sport or activity, Nelson is right. The basketball player lining up his free throw shot to tie or win the game isn’t trusting to luck or good circumstances. It’s his or her consistent practice that has brought the player to this point. No one learns to hit the bull’s eye in rifle or bow and arrow competition without practice. Good practice provides the confidence to win.

But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice. (Luke 11:28) Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me. (Philippians 4:9)

Stop & Think: October 28, 2024

Understanding

My task, which I am trying to achieve is, by the power of the written word, to make you hear, to make you feel—it is, before all, to make you see. (Joseph Conrad, late Polish-British novelist)

Writers may express what they hope their work will achieve in a variety of ways. Some use explicit, emotional language to develop strong feelings from the story line. Conrad says his overall purpose is to help his readers “see” something. Whether it’s an argument, a cause, or a simple truth, he’s hoping to bring a new understanding to the reader’s mind.

Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart (Psalm 119:34). To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. (Matthew 13:12)

Stop & Think: October 27, 2024

Awaiting Results

When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another. (Helen Keller, late author and lecturer)

When we do our work well, we want to see the results of our efforts sooner rather than later. After serving others, we want to know right away that something good has happened. Some have received heart-warming responses from those they’d helped many years earlier. And some may never be thanked. But when you do your best, you can trust God for recognition and reward.

If we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently. (Romans 8:25)

Stop & Think: October 26, 2024

Critics

A critic is a hen that clucks when another hen lays an egg. (Giovanni Guareschi, late Italian humorist)

There are several kinds of critics: those who are always finding fault; in fact, they’re looking for it, and others who want to find the positive and comment on it. Then, there are a few who are evaluating carefully and are willing to place blame or give credit where they belong. How good life would be if we would just complement the egg- laying hens.

The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.  . . . Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly. (Matthew 7:2; John 7:24)

Stop & Think: October 25, 2024

Contentment

You can’t have everything. Where will you put it?  (Ann Landers, advice columnist)

Landers’ comment may be somewhat facetious, but her statement is true in more than one way. First of all, look at your neighbors’ garages or the multitude of storage units in your town—and they’re still building them. But what is even more important, we cram our lives and hearts with stuff, yearnings, and hopes only to find they don’t satisfy. Look for those things that will last.

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.  . . . So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. (1 Timothy 6:6, 8)

Stop & Think: October 24, 2024

Wisdom

Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it. (Albert Einstein, renowned scientist)

Einstein’s famous formula (E=MC2) about energy and mass was a monumental find for the scientific world. But in grade school, Einstein was thought to be “dumb and unteachable.” Today he is regarded as a genius, and his observation about wisdom is insightful. No amount of formal education alone will make you wise. It’s a growing achievement that begins with God.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking (James 1:5).

Stop & Think: October 23, 2024

Making a Difference

You don’t have to make headlines to make a difference. (Drew Scholl, businessman, author)

Much has been made about everyone having “15 minutes of fame,” but that isn’t always true. While many athletes, musicians, and politicians do gain the headlines, not everyone seeks that kind of notice. Some of those headliners do make a difference, but most of us will make a difference simply by doing good works, encouraging, and helping others as God enables us.

Be careful not to do your good deeds in public in order to attract attention. If you do, your Father in heaven will not reward you (Matthew 6:1). [But] Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16).

Stop & Think: October 22, 2024

Prepare Well

Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well. (Kary Oberbrunner, motivational author and speaker)

Oberbrunner’s observation is true for more than just a game of cards. Sports coaches always have strategies in mind to deal with just about any situation their team faces. Event organizers always have plan B or C if plan A doesn’t work. Life is never as smooth as a glassy sea. Waves can develop quickly, so advanced preparation is always in everyone’s best interest.

If you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness . . . Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity. (Proverbs 14:22; 21:5)