Daily Stop & Thinks

Confrontation

Confrontation is not a matter of tact, diplomacy, and smoothness of tongue. It is basically simplicity of speech, empathy in attitude, and honesty in response. (David Augsburger, author)

Very few people enjoy confrontation; most of us try to avoid it at almost any cost. Augsburger’s observations can be really helpful when we face such difficult times. If we put ourselves in the other person’s shoes, figuratively, and intentionally speak peacefully and honestly, we may discover the other party is willing to do the same.

The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking. (Proverbs 15:28)

You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak… (James 1:19)

Instead, we will speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15)

I Want It!

Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck. (Dalai Lama)

Parents know what it’s like to deal with children who want what they want when they want it—and that’s right now! We also know that our children’s wants are not always what is really good for them, so we have to disappoint them. It may hurt both them and us, but as we mature, we begin to understand the value of not having all we have thought we wanted.

Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. (Ecclesiastes 11:9)

Unconditional Love

Love is not unending tolerance of bad behavior. It is true that love covers sin, but it also corrects it. (Randy Smith, teacher)

We hear a lot about unconditional love today, meaning you have to continue loving someone almost to the point of overlooking his or her bad behavior. That certainly doesn’t solve any problems or help the misbehaving person to overcome his bad conduct. As Smith emphasizes, true love accepts the individual but works hard to bring correction.

Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them. (Proverbs 13:24)

Help others learn about the unconditional love of God by donating today.

Problems

The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be. (Horace Bushnell, 19^th century minister)

People generally try to avoid all the problems of life that they can. No one wants to have troubles, especially those that seem to be insurmountable. But Bushnell argues that it’s those problems that give us the opportunity to learn. The more difficult they are the more we learn and the more we’re motivated to overcome and achieve higher goals.

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

Today

Nothing is worth more than this day. You cannot relive yesterday. Tomorrow is still beyond our reach. (Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, 18^th & 19^th century German writer and statesman)

In one sense, time is all we have to deal with. When it’s gone, it’s gone. It moves so fast that we have to discipline ourselves to use it wisely. As Goethe implies, it’s a great waste to think too much about the past. It’s also a waste to dream too much about the future; although, no one would deny the need for planning and preparation. The point: live today to its fullest!

How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. (James 2:13-14)

Songs

Give me the songs of a people, and I care not who writes its laws. (Damon of Athens, 5^th century B.C. Greek musicologist)

We like to say that we are a nation of laws, and, indeed, that’s true. Without law-abiding citizens, no nation can survive long. Yet, it isn’t a set of regulations that motivates and inspires people to advancement. Rather, it’s the sense of belonging and esprit de corps that arouses sentiments of loyalty and patriotism—often reflected in the music of the time.

Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly. (Psalm 118:15)

Belief

In any project the important factor is your belief. Without belief, there can be no successful outcome. (William James, 19^th & 20^th century philosopher and psychologist)

Many will agree with James’ proposition. Certainly, you have to believe in what you’re doing if you expect to have positive outcomes. More critical, however, is where you’ve placed your faith. Too often we put our faith in unreliable or unproven ideas. First, check the source of your belief and then move forward with what is solid and true.

Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps. (Proverbs 14:15)

Money

Money might make you wealthy, but friends make you rich. (Author unknown)

Money often seems to be the measure used to determine the value of a product or a person. How much is he/she/it worth? It doesn’t take much to discover, however, that many of the wealthiest people in the news don’t appear to be happy at all. Look at the lives of many public figures who may enjoy what their riches can provide, but are living without real friends.

Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! (Ecclesiastes 5:10)

Opportunity

Water doesn’t go under the bridge twice. (Author unknown)

We don’t know what the originator of this expression meant, but we can learn at least two things from it. 1) Water will flow under the bridge in only one direction. To change its direction would require significant labor and most likely would not be worth it. 2) Perhaps, it’s another way of saying, “Opportunity knocks only once.” Take advantage of it while you can.

Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone. (Galatians 6:10)

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

Offering Help

A hungry man doesn’t have ears. (Stephen Joyce, son of author James Joyce)

A simple statement, but a pungent reminder of how we should consider our offer to help those in need. We may want to scold a homeless man for not looking for a job or “preach” to a down-and-outer about his need for God, but Joyce’s statement should help us learn how better to approach the less fortunate. A healthful meal might be the first need to respond to.

If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you! (Proverbs 19:17)

Investments

A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in. (Investment advertisement)

The mention of investments brings to mind thoughts of money, bank accounts, the stock market, and much more. And yet, there are other investments that are equally—or even more—important. The use of our time and our minds, to mention but two. An investment in education, for example, may far outlast any financial or material gain in the market.

Letting [God’s] Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. (Romans 8:6)

Invest in the renewing of your hope by buying our book.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity is exercising my senses so that I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me. (Bill Gothard, speaker and writer)

When we think of a sensitive person, we sometimes picture someone who is easily hurt personally by the comments or actions of others. That’s not what Gothard is speaking of. He’s counseling us, not to think of ourselves, but to try to sense the other person’s “true spirit and emotions.” The question is how can we respond in ways that will uplift and encourage them.

We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive. (Romans 15:1)

Encourage each other and build each other up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Do you want to help spread the Good News? Donate to God of Hope today.