GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

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)

Stop & Think: January 26, 2021

A Legacy

To live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy. (Stephen R. Covey, late businessman and author)

Those four ideas might be a good summary of living a good life. Living is more than just existing, of course; it’s active, productive involvement in life. Loving may be the greatest contribution one can make in another’s life. And for the growing person, learning never ceases! What’s the result? A legacy to pass on to family and all who have profited from knowing you.

Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren. (Proverbs 13:22)

Stop & Think: January 25, 2021

Love

All life-changing love is inconvenient. (Tim Keller, current popular author)

Words used too often, too often lose their basic meaning. Love is such a word. For many people it’s merely a sentimental feeling—like spooning under the moon by the lagoon in June. For others, it’s all about physical intimacy. But the real value of genuine love is its motivation to do for others what they most need—and, as Keller says, it is not always easy or convenient.

Love is patient and kind. It does not demand its own way. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5, 7)

Stop & Think: January 24, 2021

Blessings

What I’m looking for is a blessing that’s not in disguise. (Jerome K. Jerome, 19th-20th century English writer)

Sometimes we hear people talk about “a blessing in disguise,” something that seems bad or unlucky at first, but results in something good happening later. Maybe you’ve lost a job but then you got a better one. That might really be a blessing in disguise. Perhaps Jerome had had too many of those “blessings,” so he is eager for some obvious blessed experience. How about you?

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. (Genesis 50:20)

Stop & Think: January 23, 2021

Helping

When you help someone up a hill, you find yourself much closer to the top. (Brownie Wise, 20th century saleswoman)

It is a great pleasure to help someone, isn’t it? Sometimes it’s at a disadvantage to us in the loss of time or opportunity, but we do it because we care. And, as Wise suggests, there often is a great advantage to be gained in assisting someone else in their pursuit. Not only do we gain a sense of satisfaction in helping, but we may also have advanced to our own benefit.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10)

Stop & Think: January 22, 2021

Living Now

I will live in the past, the present, and the future. (Charles Dickens, 19th century British writer)

Dickens’ statement seems contrary to a lot of current advice to suggest that we must live in the present. We can’t go back to the past, and we can’t project into the future. Of course, we all realize that what’s happened in the past does have a great influence on today, and we should not forget it. And we must live today in light of what we hope and plan for tomorrow. That’s life.

What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again. (Ecclesiastes 3:15)

Stop & Think: January 21, 2021

Temptation

God provides the armor to withstand temptation, but we must put it on. (David C. Egner, Our Daily Bread writer)

The old joke was “The devil made me do it.” We always seem to be finding excuses for our sins and failure. And yet God has provided adequate defenses for us to withstand those temptations to do wrong. (See Ephesians 6:10-18.) When I fail, it’s because I choose to do so. Until we are willing to acknowledge our failure and accept God’s help, we have no excuse.

God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Stop & Think: January 20, 2021

Usefulness

A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for. (John A. Shedd, late business executive)

There are lots of mankind’s creations that bring satisfaction in just their appearance—a fancy automobile, for example, or a well-made formal outfit. Nice to look at but of little value other than as a piece of art. Automobiles are made to ride in; clothes are made to wear for comfort and protection. Let’s use well what we’ve created for the benefit of all and the glory of God.

Make every effort to respond to God’s promises. . . The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be. . . (1 Peter 1:5, 8)