Daily Stop & Thinks

Impossibilities

Every noble work is at first impossible. (Thomas Carlyle, 19^th century British essayist)

“It can’t be done!” Haven’t you heard that before? Who would have thought 20 years ago that you could sit in a meeting, separated from your colleagues by miles, but able to see and hear them and speak into the meeting as well. Somebody thought it was possible, and here we are with “virtual” meetings of all kinds. Never say “Never.”

[Jesus] replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27).

Self-Control

Not being able to govern events, I govern myself. (Michel de Montaigne, 16^th century French philosopher)

How often do we wish we could change things around us? We might say, “If only…,” and we are frustrated that we aren’t in control. Perhaps we should consider Montaigne’s idea. If we could successfully manage ourselves, maybe the example of our own self-control could be an incentive for others—even those who are in charge—to exercise wisdom and care.

So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control (1 Peter 1:13).

Contentment

We are not born with the instinct for contentment; rather, it is learned. (Howard Dayton, author)

Is it ambition, greed, or simple boredom? Whatever the cause, a lot of people seem to be dissatisfied with their place in or the pace of their lives. As Dayton suggests, contentment is not born in us. It’s our nature always to be wanting more or, at least, different. To learn to be content is a worthy and important goal to pursue.

So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires (1 Timothy 6:8-9).

Choices

The choices that we make in our life, indeed determine the kind of results that we experience and the quality of the life that we live. (Sumeet Jain, engineer and educator)

As children mature, they begin to learn what adults have known for a long time. There are many things in life over which we have no control. But! Have you come to realize that you do control the choices you make every day? How to make right choices is a fundamental principle we all must learn.

A wise person chooses the right road; a fool takes the wrong one (Ecclesiastes 10:2).

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold (Proverbs 22:1).

Stand Firm 

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm. (Abraham Lincoln)

Standing firm is an admirable character trait. Being sure of what you believe and defending it strongly is important. But, as Lincoln suggests, what you’re standing on—your argument or your belief—is really the important issue. Arguing strongly on a questionable principle is like trying to stand firmly on a slippery slope or a mossy rock. Be sure that what you’re standing on is right.

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong (1 Corinthians 6:13).

Opportunity

You can never relive a moment. You can’t relive an opportunity. But you can be ready for the next adventure. (Chris Suitt, minister)

How often have you wished that you could “relive a moment”? Wouldn’t you like to take back those words you said in anger? Or, do you still regret that you didn’t take that good job offer when you were afraid to take a chance? Well, you can’t have a “redo,” but, as Suitt says, you can prepare for the future and be ready to accept a new challenge with courage and determination.

Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days (Ephesians 5:16).

Faith

Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase. (Martin Luther King, Jr., late civil rights leader)

We talk about “people of faith,” but in reality everyone lives by faith. Whether it’s a small thing, like trusting the chair to hold you when you sit down, or matters of more consequence like trusting your investments to earn dividends in a fluid marketplace. Of course, it’s not how much faith you have but what/who it is you’re trusting in. Where have you placed your faith and trust?

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. . . It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. (Hebrews 11:1, 6)

Others

A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle. (Benjamin Franklin)

We’ve all known people like Franklin writes about. The self-centered person is difficult to be around, and certainly almost impossible to engage in a meaningful two-way conversation. But, aren’t we all a bit like that? We are so consumed with our own interests and involvements that we often don’t see the other person’s value or needs and how we might profit from or help them.

Don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too (Philippians 2:3-4)

Purpose

Great minds have purposes, others have wishes. (Washington Irving, 19^th century writer)

“I wish I could run in the Olympics.” “I wish I could be a concern pianist.” The wish list could go on and on. We have wishes to be or to do, but wishing by itself won’t work. Irving may be suggesting that we need to turn our wishes into iron-clad purposes. Evaluate your abilities and opportunities, plan well, then set out to achieve your “wish.” And … seek God’s purpose.

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail (Proverbs 19:21).

So I run with purpose in every step (1 Corinthians 9:26).

Love

Everybody wants to change the world; nobody wants to love their neighbor! (John Burke, author)

Looking at our troubled world with wars, natural disasters, and viruses we have probably all said at one time or another, “If only… I would…” We’d create changes that would solve all our problems and resolve conflicts. There is a biblical concept, however, that really offers the only earthly solution to conflict. We talk and sing about it, but do we practice genuine love?

Love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31).

Let love be your highest goal… Do everything with love (1 Corinthians 14:1; 16:14).

Questions and Answers

[Pay] more attention to the question than to the answer and never [be] afraid to go in an opposite direction to find a solution. (Richard Saul Wurman, author)

There are two ways to consider this advice: 1) A good question may, indeed, cause you to think differently and actually change your mind, deciding to move in a new direction. 2) Pay attention to the questioner before you start forming your answer mentally. When we answer too quickly, we may miss the questioner’s intention entirely. Listen well! Respond thoughtfully.

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen [and] slow to speak (James 1:19).

Discernment

In our world, cultivating discernment is a necessary antidote to deception. (John Stonestreet, columnist)

Stonestreet continues, “Too often, we are oblivious to the cultural currents around us. As the old Chinese proverb goes, ‘If you want to know what water is, don’t ask the fish.’” When you’re in the midst of confusing ideas, it’s sometimes difficult to distinguish the true from the false. To avoid deception, determine truth and reality and make them your starting point.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”. . .  Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth (John 14:6; 17:17).