GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: February 7, 2021

Aging I

May your years be counted not by your age but by how you spend your days. (Catherin Pulsifer, author)

As we experience each birthday, many of us begin to think more seriously about the passing of time and how much of the future we will have to enjoy life. How much better it is to look at life one day at a time and determine to make the best possible use of that day, perhaps to increase our learning and experience or to find ways to encourage and enhance the lives of others.

In the few days of our meaningless lives, who knows how our days can best be spent? (Ecclesiastes 6:12)

Stop & Think: February 6, 2021

Action II

If you’re waiting until you feel talented enough to make it, you’ll never make it. (Criss Jami, poet)

Confidence and self-assurance may be necessary traits for success in public performance whether in sports, art, or public service. But those traits don’t come easily for many people. The fear of public speaking, for example, keeps some from contributing their opinions in a public forum. Don’t fear the unknown; move forward to do your best with the abilities God has given you.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. (Psalm 56:3)

Stop & Think: February 5, 2021

Action I

You don’t have to be perfect to do something extraordinary. You just need to act on what you say you believe. (Chris Suit)

Most of us want to do better. We strive for excellence but know all too well that we’re not perfect and rarely do anything flawlessly. But, as Suit notes, perfection is not a qualification for action. Use your knowledge wisely; do your best no matter the task; and add enthusiasm as you fulfill your responsibilities and ambitions. Do so expectantly.

Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed. (2 Timothy 2:15)

Stop & Think: February 4, 2021

Sharing Joy

When you give joy to other people, you get more joy in return. (Eleanor Roosevelt, late U.S. first lady)

There’s just something good about giving, isn’t there? Especially, if you’re sharing something very positive—maybe just a word or a smile. You might get a smile or a kind word in return; but, even if you don’t, you’ll certainly have a sense of satisfaction that you’ve been able to bring joy into someone’s life. Keep at it! You’ll enhance your own life and other people’s too.

Surely you all know that my joy comes from your being joyful. (2 Corinthians 2:3)

Stop & Think: February 3, 2021

Forgiving

The real trouble about the duty of forgiveness is that you do it with all your might on Monday and then find on Wednesday that it hasn’t stayed put and all has to be done over again. (C. S. Lewis, late British scholar)

We can all relate to Lewis’ observation. Sometimes we say, “I can forgive, but I can’t forget.” The better understanding of “forgetting” is not that you can erase the hurt from your memory bank, but rather that it no longer holds you in its grip. Forgiving someone is a blessing to them, of course, but it is an even greater blessing to be free from carrying the burden of unforgiveness.

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven but dwelling on it separates close friends. (Proverbs 17:9)

Stop & Think: February 2, 2021

Words

The tongue has no bones, but it is strong enough to break a heart. So, be careful with your words. (Author unknown)

Wise King Solomon wrote, “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare (Proverbs 15:1). Sometimes our responses in conversations may be spoken in haste without much thought on what we’re about to say. We may hurt someone unintentionally and then find it difficult to make amends. So, remember to stop and think…and bite your tongue if you have to.

“People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. . . And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, this is not right!” (James 3:7-8, 10)

Stop & Think: February 1, 2021

Hard Times

Remind me that hard times are to make me stronger and wiser and help me turn tests into testimonies. (Charity M. Richey-Bentley, author)

It’s unfortunate but true that everyone encounters hard times sometime in life. We often ask, “Why?” or “Why me?” And just as often, we don’t find easy answers. But Richey-Bentley’s prayer can be a helpful thought. When we become wiser and stronger through adversity, we can bear a testimony of personal experience that can help someone else.

[God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (2 Corinthians 1:4)

Stop & Think: January 31, 2021

Forgetting

If a man cannot forget, he will never amount to much. (Soren Kierkegaard, 19th century Danish philosopher)

Another unknown writer put it this way, “It is sometimes expedient to forget what you know.” Our memory of past events or hurts may make it difficult to move forward. Such memories can destroy friendships or even cloud our judgment with regard to our own work and planning. Learn from past errors, but don’t hang on to those memories. Be positive and forward-looking.

Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 4:13-14)

Stop & Think: January 30, 2021

Life and Living

Life is not about living the safer option. Life is about living a life worth living. (Robert Their, German historian)

Safety is an important issue in 21st century life. Whether you live in a bustling, overcrowded urban area or a more isolated rural region, there are always dangers to be avoided. Yet, you can’t live in fear of every conceivable ill or danger. Take care, of course; be cautious. But enter into your life experiences with enthusiasm and expectation of joy and fulfillment.

When people live to be very old, let them rejoice in every day of life. (Ecclesiastes 11:8)

Stop & Think: January 29, 2021

Character

Conduct flows out of character. (Linda Brumbaugh, blog writer)

The Bible teaches that “We are each responsible for our own conduct (Galatians 6:5) and that “Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right (Proverbs 20:11). Brumbaugh rightly notes how good conduct comes about. It isn’t by chance or luck; it’s by training and discipline that develops long-lasting integrity.

He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. (Proverbs 2:7)

Stop & Think: January 28, 2021

Aging II

Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength. (Betty Friedan, late writer and activist)

The condition of so many elderly people is really sad to see. For some, it’s simply unmanageable issues related to health. For others, it seems to be a loss of will and a darkened perspective. How much better for those who see aging as simply a moving into new phases of life, gaining of unique opportunities for mental growth and service to others. Perhaps, this could be their prayer:

And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing. (Psalm 71:9)

Stop & Think: January 27, 2021

Aging I

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. (Mark Twain)

For almost all of our adult life, we never felt our age. We always thought we looked and acted younger than the calendar said we were. That all changed after a bout with Covid-19. We were not nearly as seriously ill as many others, and we thank God for that. But the sad aftermath is, we have begun to feel our more than eight decades. So, we’re reminded of the words of wise Solomon:

Remember [God] before. . . you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper. . . Remember him before you near the grave. . . Yes, remember your Creator now. (Ecclesiastes 12:5, 6)