GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: July 12, 2020

Knowing More

Don’t focus on what you don’t know. It’s too heavy for you and will crush your peace of mind. (Chris Suitt, pastor)

For many of us what we don’t know sometimes stymies us to the point where we just can’t move forward. We think we must have that certain piece of information that will help us in our project. But, Suitt is right. There’s far too much of the unknown for us to hope to “know it all” about any single subject. We would all do better to confidently move forward, using what we do know.

To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness. (Ecclesiastes 2:26)

Stop & Think: July 11, 2020

Be Still

Lord, help me to relax about insignificant details beginning tomorrow at 7:42:23, PST.

We’re more familiar with the similar prayer, “Lord, give me patience, and I want it right now!” “That’s ridiculous, we say.” Sure, both statements are absurd, but isn’t that really the way we act too often? It may take a supernatural act of God to bring about that kind of change, but surely, he wants us to use the common sense and abilities he’s given us to live wisely and thoughtfully.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God . . . Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. (Psalm 46:10; 37:7)

Stop & Think: July 10, 2020

Priorities

Let’s do our best to order our lives wisely and keep first things first. (Blaise Pascal, 17th century French writer)

Pascal also wrote, “Man’s sensitivity to little things and insensitivity to the greatest things are marks of a strange disorder.” Isn’t it that we are inclined sometimes to major on the minor irritations of life, at least temporarily overlooking what are far greater concerns? It does take some discipline to keep first things first, doesn’t it? But it’s so important!

Jesus said, “Seek first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

Stop & Think: July 9, 2020

Contentment

Discontentment is an appetite that’s never fully satisfied. (Mike Lee, pastor)

Whether it’s an addiction or just an unfulfilled desire, discontent can lead to habits that can destroy your career and hopes. Haven’t you known someone who never seems to be satisfied? They are always looking for something new and different or just more of whatever feeds that unending yearning. It’s a terrible way to live, but help is available. You can learn to be content.

I have learned how to be content with whatever I have . . .  I have learned the secret of living in every situation . . .  For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13)

Stop & Think: July 8, 2020

Justice

Man’s capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man’s inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary. (Reinhold Niebuhr, late theologian)

The unruly protests and even violent riots of last month well illustrate both of Niebuhr’s observations. The hue and cry for justice for those who have been treated unfairly by authorities is a legitimate concern of free people. But the resultant behavior, which has become too common, demonstrates man’s need to hear and respond to the righteous demands of God.

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

Stop & Think: July 7, 2020

Friendship III

I don’t need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better. (Plutarch, early Greek philosopher)

Some political leaders seem to have a lot of “Yes-men” around them, always agreeing with the boss and never challenging his or her opinions. Plutarch would argue that they are not really good friends—either to the leader or to the people who follow. It may be difficult to hear correction from your friends, but you soon realize it’s what’s best for you.

Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy . . . The godly give good advice to their friends. (Proverbs 27:6; 12:26)

Stop & Think: July 6, 2020

Friendship II

In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. (Martin Luther King, Jr.)

Luther’s words seemed appropriate in recent upsets in our society. And they reflect earlier times in history as referred to by holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, “Let us remember what hurts the victim most is not the cruelty of the oppressor but the silence of the bystander.” The biblical story of the Good Samaritan ought to challenge us to be alert to support neighbors in need.

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And, Love your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27)

Stop & Think: July 5, 2020

Friendship I

My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me. (Henry Ford)

Pastor David Miller put it this way, “A smart friend knows what’s best. A wise friend does what’s best.” And then he added, “Be a wise friend.” Sometimes it seems easier just to say what is expected or what might make someone feel better. But, best friends are willing to say the hard words in a loving way that will help their friend to grow. 

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense . . . As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (Proverbs 27:9, 17)

Stop & Think: July 4, 2020

Freedom

May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right. (Peter Marshall, late chaplain of the United States Senate)

We cherish our liberty and freedoms on this Independence Day, and rightly so. We thank God for the civil liberties we enjoy as Americans, and we also want to share these freedoms.  So, we might well ask, “How do we express our liberty before others?”  We can enjoy our freedom even more when we make it possible for others to experience the same kind of personal liberty.

For you have been called to live in freedom, . . .  But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13)

Stop & Think: July 3, 2020

Humility

A mistake that makes you humble is better than an achievement that makes you arrogant. (Anonymous) 

There is a downside to accomplishment, isn’t there? After winning a contest of any kind, there are accolades that make you feel good, but they may also make you prideful. You might begin to think you’ve done it all by yourself, ignoring the team or the coaches and trainers who contributed to your success. The loss of humility is too high a price to pay.

Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom . . . humility precedes honor. (Proverbs 11:2; 15:33)

Stop & Think: July 2, 2020

Teamwork

Showing your team they matter is the most important part of your job. (Sarah Goggin, chief people officer)

Team leaders, at whatever level, are often so concerned about the task at hand, progress in the project, or personal advancement, that they may forget what is even more important. According to Goggin, putting team first should be a priority. The more care, concern, and appreciation you show your team, the more likely you (and they) will be successful.

So, encourage each other and build each other up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Stop & Think: July 1, 2020

Smiling

Don’t let the world change your smile, let your smile change the world. (Ravi Shankar, late Bengali musician)

Does it seem to you that a lot of people are not smiling nowadays? They seem to be burdened by the threats of unemployment, disease, or protests in the streets. They might even be frowning, their minds filled with the troubles of the world, as if they’re carrying those concerns all by themselves. Perhaps, we could help them simply by sharing a smile; maybe they’ll smile, too. 

A glad heart makes a happy face. (Proverbs 15:13)