Daily Stop & Thinks

Fear I

Fear does not stop death. It stops life. And worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles. It takes way today’s peace. (Source unknown)

Fear and worry seem to be widespread today even among otherwise confident, assured people. Whether it’s the coronavirus, urban violence, or political uncertainties, so many people live in fear of current dangers or the unknown future. There’s too little in the news or social media that brings calm. It’s time to look at the true source of confidence and hope rather than today’s news.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7).

Labor II

The fruit derived from labor is the sweetest of pleasures. (Luc de Clapier, 18^th century French writer and moralist)

It takes a little growing-up to learn the truth of de Clapier’s comment. When things come easily, we don’t usually appreciate them as much as when we work hard and earn them. Furthermore, André Gide, a later French author, notes that “No human masterpiece has been created without great labor.” So, whether it’s physical work or mental effort, work hard and reap the benefit.

You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be! (Psalm 128:2)

Labor I

Work is no disgrace. The disgrace is idleness. (Greek proverb)

On this annual Labor Day, we celebrate the workers of the past who have made continual improvements to the way we can live our personal and community lives today. Thanks, too, to the laborers who continue to provide not only the necessities of life but all of the “extras” that make life more enjoyable and worthwhile.

And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God. (Ecclesiastes 8:13)

Patience

Of all the life-lessons, the phrase, “Just be patient,” is among the most difficult for all human beings (Andy Simkins, minister).

Why is it so difficult to be patient? Is it because our agenda is so important to us that we can’t adjust to someone else’s plans? Perhaps we need to learn what some wise person has said, “Patience is the ability to graciously do life at someone else’s pace.” If we can begin to think more of others than of ourselves, we no doubt could learn to be more patient.

May God, who gives . . . patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other. (Romans 15:5)

Discovery

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19^th century American essayist)

Poet Robert Frost put it this way, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” Some of us like to stay on familiar paths and follow the same routines. It gives us a sense of stability. Unfortunately, we may miss out on learning new ways and discovering new ideas. Be brave, try something new!

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)

Devotion

Discipline says, “I need to.” Duty says, “I ought to.” Devotion says, “I want to.” (Adrian Rogers, Bible Teacher)

The great tenor, Luciano Pavarotti, put it this way, “People think it’s discipline. It is not discipline. It is devotion. There is a great difference.” Devotion has a nice ring to it; discipline, however, seems harsh and unkind. In reality, both are needed to achieve greatness in any field of endeavor. Think of discipline as self-control and work at it diligently to thrive.

Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. . . Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity (Proverbs 13:4; 21:5)

Keep On

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. (Babe Ruth, late baseball start)

Babe Ruth held the record for having struck out more times than anyone else in his era. But he wasn’t noted for strike outs but for home runs—a record he held for many years. He didn’t let his failure to hit on many occasions keep him from trying to get a hit the next time. That’s a pretty good lesson for all of us. To keep on trying after making an error is the way to success.

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)

Gratitude

Gratitude is the antidote for envy. (Tim Sprankle, pastor)

Envy can be a subtle enemy of contentment. We may not covet someone’s property or wealth, but we might begin to wish we had a neighbor’s skill with tools or a friend’s vocal talent. Such longings lead to discontent and dissatisfaction. But, as Sprankle indicates further, when our eyes are fixed on God—the giver of every good gift, we can be content with what he provides.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Examples

I can’t tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it myself. (Joyce Maynard, novelist and journalist)

We might tell our kids to do as we say. Why? “Because I say so!” That is hardly a satisfactory answer, but we continue to offer it either because we really don’t have a good answer, or we’ve not given them a good example to follow. So, we’d do better to recognize and change this.

And you yourself must be an example . . . by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect [your] integrity and seriousness. (Titus 2:7)

Genius

Genius is the ability to reduce the complicated to the simple. (C.W. Ceran, 20^th century German journalist)

By itself, that’s a good illustration of the principle. More than a few wives will remember the times their husbands “knew exactly where they were going” on an auto trip. After a long time and the reluctant admission that “we’re lost,” he finally stops to ask directions. The era of GPS has, for the most part, made complex directions very simple. How grateful we are!

When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. (Proverbs 29:18)

Ideals

Ideals are like stars; you will not succeed in touching them with your hands, but. . . following them you will reach your destiny. (Carl Schurz, German American reformer)

You won’t fully reach your ideals, either, Schurz says. But like the sailor following the stars, if you choose your ideals “as your guide, you will succeed in the process.” They may seem unreachable, but never give up doing your best to live up to the ideals that will give you a rich life and will also be a benefit to others.

May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by the principle of God’s new creation. (Galatians 6:15-16 paraphrased)

Finishing II

Finishing well isn’t something you do at the end of your life—it is what you determine to do every day of your life. (Neil Cole, author)

Most of us don’t like to think about discipline. It implies too much about rules, hard work, and punishment. If we were to think of it as the means to mastery of an art, a sport, or learning, we could begin to appreciate its value. Practicing the piano diligently, spending time on the putting green, studying the lessons of history—those are the kinds of things that enable us to finish well.

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. (Hebrews 12:11)