Daily Stop & Thinks

Perseverance

Genuine religion is shown by its power of persistence. (F. B. Meyer, 19^th-20^th century British pastor and writer)

One of the many characteristics of a person of “genuine religion” is endurance. His faith is steadfast, not giving in to momentary lapses. He or she is also persistent in reaching and helping those in need, as James describes: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.” (James 1:27)

Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness. (2 Peter 1:5-6)

A Positive Attitude

Better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is almost always right. (Mark Twain, 19^th-20^th century American humorist)

When an outcome proves the pessimist to be wrong, he can always glibly say, “Well, I didn’t want to be right anyway.” It’s important to maintain a positive outlook when difficulties arise. Rather than expecting the worst, look for the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. Better yet, turn to the One who can bring good from a bad situation.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)

Time

The biggest difference between money and time? (Source unknown)

The answer: “You always know how much money you have, but you never know how much time you have.” We all know there are 60 minutes in an hour and 24 hours in a day, but no one knows how many hours, days, or years he or she might have left in their limited time on earth. It’s important to use our time well, but even more important to know what comes after this life.

For everything there is a season . . . . A time to be born and a time to die. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2)
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)

Contentment

When we have money and possessions, we have no rest; in poverty, [we have] no peace. (Martin Luther, 16^th century Reformation leader)

Who seems to be the happiest around us—the wealthy or the poor? For the most part, neither group finds peace or rest in the little or much they have. Luther suggests a place for a more contented life: “In the middle is correct, that is, to be satisfied with one’s fortune.” Many people, even the rich, want even more. But satisfaction doesn’t come in possessions.

I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. (Philippians 4:11-12)

Doing What’s Right

Are you willing to do what is right regardless of the consequences? (A pastor)

Your initial response might be “Yes,” but if you faced a “do or die” situation, what would you do?   To tell the whole truth or to do what we know is the right thing to do could result in personal hurt or cost. How would we decide at that hard moment? At those times we recognize the essential nature of commitment to truth and principle.

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. (James 4:17)
Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right. (Ecclesiastes 8:5)

Baseball is 90% mental. The other half is physical. (Yogi Berra, late professional baseball player)

This is another of Berra’s malapropisms for which he was as famous as he was for his athletic accomplishments. His comment, though mathematically impossible, is not far from the truth. Any sports coach or musician’s mentor will affirm that a proper mental attitude is critical for the achieving of one’s goals. To excel, be physically fit and put your mind to the task at hand.

So be on your guard . . .  Stay alert and be clearheaded. (1 Thessalonians 5:6)

Discipline

Discipline, like the hazards of the [golf] course, is placed strategically in our path as a reflection of God’s desire for us to grow in his wisdom and love. (Jim Sheard and Wally Armstrong, golf writers)

The word discipline strikes many of us with a certain amount of fear. After all, who likes to be disciplined—whether physically or not? The term is actually associated with disciple, one who is a follower, a learner. Well intended discipline is always for our good. When we encounter the hazards of life, it’s helpful to recognize that God has allowed them to help us grow as his disciples.

For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He corrects each one He takes as His own. (Hebrews 12:6)

Ill-chosen Words

Don’t mix bad words with your bad mood. You’ll have many opportunities to change a mood, but you’ll never get the opportunity to replace the words you spoke. (Source unknown)

Can you  remember a time when you let your emotions show in a really poor choice of words? Even among close friends, the thoughtless use of  poorly chosen words can have a long-lasting effect. Trying to correct those misspoken words later may not meet with acceptance. Choose your words carefully and be silent when you can’t control your emotions.

The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words. . . The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking. (Proverbs 10:32; 15:28)

Friendship

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: What! You too? I thought I was the only one. (C. S. Lewis, late Children’s author)

It’s a precious moment when someone shares an idea that you felt was your own unique thought. You’re asking yourself, “Does someone else really think that way, too?” In realty, of course, we realize that we have probably never had an original thought. We may not remember hearing it elsewhere, but hearing it from your new friend really makes your day.

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (Proverbs 27:17)

Opportunity

Everything negative – pressure, challenges – is all an opportunity for me to rise. (Kobe Bryant, late professional athlete)

Like any sportsman, Bryant faced many obstacles in his career and life. Fame and fortune do not protect anyone from life’s challenges. In fact, quite often they are greatly increased because of their public status. Bryant’s attitude is a worthy example to follow. Don’t give up in hard times; determine, instead, to make good use of an opportunity to overcome.

Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. (Ephesians 5:16)
[W]hen troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. (James 1:2)

Influence

All I need is a sheet of paper and something to write with, and then I can turn the world upside down. (Friedrich Nietzsche, 19^th century German philosopher)

And he did exactly that. Nietzsche’s writing conveyed his atheism: “Is man one of God’s blunders or is God one of man’s blunders?” His despair: “Hope in reality is the worst of all evils because it prolongs the torments of man.” And wisdom: “The mother of excess is not joy but joylessness.” In contrast, be sure you have something worthy to say before you put pen to paper.

Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. (2 Corinthians 5:11)

Real Faith

There is no great future for any people whose faith has burned out. (Rufus M. Jones, 18^th-19^th century college professor)

Jones emphasizes the critical importance of faith. Without it, he says, there is not much hope for our future. As a religious writer, he is thinking about faith that is more than an “I hope so” mentality. People have faith in a lot of things: jobs, other people, religion, science; but Jones would no doubt argue that the critical issue is not our faith, but the object of it.

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. . . . And it is impossible to please God without faith. (Hebrews 11:1, 6)