GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: June 9, 2024

Awareness and Acceptance

Awareness means you know I’m here. Acceptance means you’re glad to see me. (Teenager with autism)

Too often people with good physical and mental health just don’t see the struggling person with a disability. We tend to avoid those with handicaps because we don’t know what to say. A simple smile and cheerful “Hello” will let them know they’re seen and appreciated  for who they are. What’s even more encouraging is a gracious acceptance of others, no matter their abilities.

Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. (Romans 15:7)

Stop & Think: June 8, 2024

Success

Success is not how high you have climbed, but how many people you have helped on your way. (Gladys Deloe, writer)

We hear stories of ambitious workers who are climbing the corporate ladder and are ruthless in their treatment of those on the ladder below them. Their goal is to reach the top at any cost, and that sometimes means that family, friends, and co-workers may be overlooked and hurt. Deloe’s view of success would benefit the one near the top as well as those who need help on their climb.

If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important… We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. (Galatians 6:3; Romans 15:2)

Stop & Think: June 7, 2024

Expectations

If you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life thinking it’s an idiot. (Albert Einstein, renowned scientist)

We sometimes make judgments about others before we really know them. As a result, our expectations may hinder their growth. Like the fish that doesn’t live up to what others think he should be able to do, we see ourselves as a failure. We will do much better if we help someone find his or her natural gifting and facilitate their growth to a wholesome and productive life.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. (Romans 12:6a)

Stop & Think: June 6, 2024

Satisfaction

Your satisfaction is what you have, divided by what you want. (Arthur C. Brooks, author)

On the same subject, Brooks also says, “Satisfaction comes not from chasing bigger and bigger things, but paying attention to smaller and smaller things.” It would be helpful, wouldn’t it, if we could want less? Our expectations would then be fewer. Rather than “bigger or more,” let’s think quality and satisfaction. With lower expectations, we will find contentment more easily.

Give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. (Proverbs 30:8)

Stop & Think: June 5, 2024

Reputation

You can’t build a reputation on what you’re going to do. (Henry Ford, early car manufacturer)

That’s a good reminder for this election year. Candidates are renowned for making big promises. If you don’t know the person who’s making the claim, you may have to do some study to discover their past record. Others have served the public for years and their careers are well known. As we evaluate, we should try to determine if their reputation confirms their rhetoric.

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold… A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume. (Proverbs 22:1; Ecclesiastes 7:1)

Stop & Think: June 4, 2024

Words

Well done is better than well said. (Benjamin Franklin)

Actions speak louder than words, they say. And that is clearly what Franklin said so many years ago. In an election year, we are inundated with speeches, blogs, mailings, and live stream videos without end. There is a lot to hear, but the voters’ question should not be what do you plan to do, but what did you do on this or that issue. Actions do indeed speak louder than words.

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. (1 John 3:18)

Stop & Think: June 3, 2024

Feelings

We induce feelings by our actions; we do not wait for our feelings to induce actions. (Alfred Heller, dentist, author)

Heller’s observation is in contrast to the common attitude today. “Follow your feelings” is often the advice given to someone who is debating an important decision about job, home, or relationship. The better advice is to use past experience, common sense, and trusted counsel in making important decisions. Then, your feelings will confirm or caution what you’ve decided.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Stop & Think: June 2, 2024

The Perfect Day

And what is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days. (John Keats, 19th century English poet)

What is a perfect day? The weather is just right, the skies are clear, the breeze is gentle; perhaps that’s your perfect day. Others would prefer cold temperatures, snow, and skiing. Actually, there are probably very few of us who experience many really perfect days. Joy and contentment don’t result from external factors. When one’s heart is right with God—that makes days perfect.

So let it (faith) grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (James 1:4)

Stop & Think: June 1, 2024

Spring

June is a love song written by nature. (Patience Strong, pen name for Winifred Emma May, 20th century United Kingdom poet)

Many people look forward to the month of June, thinking it is the epitome of beautiful spring weather. It isn’t always beautiful, of course. There are cloudy days and rainstorms, but the overall warmth and beautiful colors lift our spirits and give us joy. It’s another opportunity to glory in God’s unique and magnificent creative work.

The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. (Song of Solomon 2:12)

Stop & Think: May 31, 2024

Choices 2

If you’re too impulsive, you’ll make unwise choices, so when in doubt, slow down. (2 Minutes a day. 100 Devotionals)

Spontaneity is one of those human traits that can be either helpful or harmful. It might be fun to invite some friends to go out to dinner at the last minute. It’s quite another thing, however, to decide on the spur of the moment to invest time and money in an idea without knowing what and who may be involved. It’s always wise to take time to evaluate before making decisions.

For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. (Proverbs 2:10-11)

Stop & Think: May 30, 2024

Choices 1

Life is a series of choices between the bad, the good, and the best. Everything depends on how we choose. (Vance Havner, 20th century American revivalist)

From choosing what outfit to wear to the formal gala to deciding whether to invest in stocks or bonds, as Havner says, “Life is a series of choices.” They are often closely related to previous choices that may influence the current decision. No one can just let life flow around him or her; each of us has to be involved, and we’d best learn well, so we can choose well.

Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. (Romans 6:16)

Stop & Think: May 29, 2024

A Helpful Remedy

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where
they can be quiet, alone with the heavens and nature. (Inspiration Line Newsletter)

People who are “afraid, lonely, [and] unhappy” are all around us. In fact, we might feel just as they do from time to time. Being in a quiet place “alone with the heavens and nature” can help. Multitudes of people viewed the solar eclipse a few weeks ago and saw an example of God’s magnificent work in creation. Reminders of him and his work will surely lift our spirits.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. (Psalm 19:1-2)