Daily Stop & Thinks

Health

A healthy outside starts from the inside. (Robert Urich, late American actor)

It’s a simple truth, but many of us ignore its importance. Obesity, alcoholism, drug addictions, and other physical maladies are clear demonstrations of its truth. Far more important, of course, is the intake of our minds and spirits in a world afloat with harmful ideas about morality, ethics, and social issues. For a healthier life, we need to put a guard on our mouths and our minds.

It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart. (Mark 7:15)

Ideas and Words

Ideas shape the course of history. (Thomas Jefferson)

More recently, actor Robins Williams confirmed Jefferson’s thought: “No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” The ideas that Jefferson put into words in the Declaration of Independence had a worldwide impact as it led to the American Revolution and the establishment of the United States. Be careful of the impact of your own words and ideas.

The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever. (Psalm 119:160)

Jesus: “Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” (Matthew 24:35)

Be Strong

Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient. (Steve Maraboli, behavioral scientist)

We may wish that things would be easier as we grow older and that our mistakes would be more easily corrected. But experience has shown it’s useless to ignore the realities of life. So, Maraboli’s observation can be very encouraging. The difficulties may still arise, but if we are diligent in working at it, we can overcome hard times by our stronger character and training.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. (Ephesians 6:10)

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13)

Perspective II

No idea is so antiquated that it was not once modern. No idea is so modern that it will not someday be antiquated. (Ellen Glasgow, American author)

The wise Solomon wrote, “Nothing under the sun is truly new” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Young people may think that the ideas of an older generation are really out-of-date. Indeed, they may be, but they were once current and relevant. And today’s ideas will one day be thought out-of-date, too. It would be best to look for never-ending truth and live by that.

But the word of the Lord endures forever. (1 Peter 1:25)

Perspective I

When things go wrong: Look at the bigger picture. (Source unknown)

Good advice! When we run into difficulties in our pursuit for success, we may be discouraged and think that it will never work out. Everything is doomed! Such a perspective looks too long and hard at the immediate, ignoring the “bigger” picture. How is this single incident related to the overall project? The wider look will help us move on from momentary failure.

You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” (Mark 8:33)

Keep Trying

Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th. (Julie Andrews, English actress)

The renowned inventor Thomas Edison enlarged on Andrews’ comment. He earlier had said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” If he had stopped experimenting at 9,9999 failed attempts, how much longer might it have been that the electric light or the phonograph had been invented? If you’re seeking a legitimate goal, keep working hard at it.

The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. (Proverbs 24:16).

Experience II

When was the last time you did something for the first time? (Sign in a restaurant)

Actually, this is a line from a song recorded in 2017 by Darius Rucker. It’s a challenge to some of us—perhaps those in the senior citizens class—who don’t like change or trying new things. But first tries can be like opening the door to the pursuit of experiences that could become joyful and beneficial. Dare to do something for the first time and see where it will lead.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33).

Experience I

Experience is a doorway, not a final goal. (Bill Katip, college president)⁠

Sometimes when we face a trying situation, we’re tempted to give up and move on to something else. But Katip’s counsel is to look at it positively. What new way may be opening up? Or, as Pastor Mike Lee put it, “Best question to ask when something negative happens? ‘What does this experience make possible?’” Tough events can be very good learning times.⁠

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. (Romans 5:3)⁠

Circumstances

Nothing great has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe something inside them was superior to circumstances. (Bruce Barton, late American congressman)

How many times have you been overcome by the difficult circumstances of life? They cover you like a mattress, leaving you little breathing room and greatly restricted mobility. Like a mattress, if you are on top, however, circumstances can be used to good benefit. Don’t let the environment and the difficulties of life keep you from exercising your determination to move on.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:7)

Motives

The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your actions will be. (Dalai Lama, Buddhist monk)

We do what we do for a variety of reasons. It may be fear that forces us to take certain actions to protect ourselves. It may be ambition that drives us to put forth extra effort to achieve our goals. Or, it might simply be that we have no choice; we are obligated to follow certain routines. But how joyful it is to act because of love, our affection and concern for others.

But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. (Jeremiah 17:10)

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

Gifts

The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work. (Emile Zola, 19^th century French novelist)

We are so blessed to enjoy the giftedness of artists of all kinds. We enjoy their paintings, their literary efforts, their thespian activity, and many other talents. We sometimes speak of “hidden talents.” What a shame if we are gifted but don’t use that gift—not only for our own joy in expression but for the benefit of many who will witness the results.

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. (1 Peter 4:10)

Worry

Worry is assuming responsibility for things that are out of our control. That’s pretty much everything. (Charles Swindoll, author)

Swindoll’s observation is not all that encouraging, is it? Do I have to live in an environment where “everything” is out of my control? No doubt, the writer doesn’t want us to become hopeless. Rather, we should be alert to what’s happening around us and respond to it with care and planning. Worry won’t help but being alert and discerning will.

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life. . . Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? (Matthew 6:25, 34)