GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: June 2, 2020

Reading

No one ever reads a book. He reads himself through books. (Romain Roland, 19th-20th century French dramatist)

That may strike you as strange but think about it for a minute. If you’re reading fiction, you probably often picture yourself in the story—the detective, the rescuing hero—or whatever. If it’s a non-fiction book, you might consider how the principles you’re studying could apply to you. How would you act or respond in the circumstances you’re reading about?

But whoever looks intently into the perfect law. . . and continues in it—not forgetting what they have [read and] doing it—they will be blessed in what they do (James 1:25).

Stop & Think: June 1, 2020

An Encouraging Word

A quotation at the right moment is like bread to the famished. (From the Talmud, Jewish text)

It’s often difficult to have just the right words to say when you’re trying to encourage or motivate a friend who is having a difficult time. That’s where the wise saying you’ve heard from someone or read from a good book, perhaps the Bible, can be helpful. Read widely, listen carefully, and you may be prepared to bless someone with an encouraging remark.

Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up (Proverbs 12:25).

Stop & Think: May 31, 2020

Knowledge

Knowledge leads to conclusions; emotions lead to action. (Craig Groeschel, pastor)

All of life is an education. We never stop learning. But, if what we have learned is only knowledge of the facts for ourselves, we miss the value of teaching others. To do that, we have to do more than share knowledge. We must strive for life transformation. Groeschel goes on to say, “The fastest way to change someone’s mind is to connect with his/her heart.”

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think (Romans 12:2).

Stop & Think: May 30, 2020

Happiness

Happiness depends upon ourselves. (Aristotle, 4th century BC)

In the fast-paced society of modern life we seem to be running helter-skelter in the pursuit of happiness (which is our right according to the Declaration of Independence). Yet neither wealth nor the things it can buy seems to achieve the desired goal. Can the ancient Greek philosopher be right? No doubt we should be looking for the source of true happiness which comes from God.

Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. . . Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. (Psalm 86:4; 119:35).

Stop & Think: May 29, 2020

Light

Give light, and the darkness will disappear of itself. (Desiderius Erasmus, 15th-16th century Dutch philosopher)

According to the Bible (John 3:19) men often prefer darkness to light because of their evil deeds. The only antidote for evil deeds (the Bible calls them sin) is the light of the truth. So, as Erasmus wrote, if we would shine that light of truth, we could overcome the darkness that we too often experience in modern society.

But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants (John 3:21).

Stop & Think: May 28, 2020

Keep On

Note to self: every time you were convinced you couldn’t go on, you did. (Author unknown)

Do you remember a time when you were at wit’s end and felt like there was nothing more you could do? You felt like you just could not take a step further or face another day. But, wait a minute. You must have gone on; here you are! What happened? Whatever it was, keep in mind that you did take the next step—and the next. Don’t give up. Keep moving on!

Keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you (1 Peter 4:19).

Stop & Think: May 27, 2020

Fighting

Fight for the things that you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you. (Ruth Bader Ginsberg, US Supreme Court Justice)

Some things are worth fighting for, but how we fight is really important. Mob rule and violence —even for worthy causes—are not legitimate means of resolving disagreements. When we contend for important issues, we will need the help of others with similar motivation. Begin the “fight” by recruiting others of noble character and worthwhile goals.

The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm (Exodus 14:14).

Stop & Think: May 26, 2020

Sorrow

Give sorrow words. The grief that does not speak whispers the over fraught heart, and bids it break. (Shakespeare, Macbeth)

Often in times of great sorrow, we are reluctant to grieve. We want to keep our composure and not let our emotions show. Failure to be open with our sorrow, however, can often lead to emotional problems. Let your close friends share in your grief; it will draw you closer to one another, and it will lighten the burden. Best of all, take your sorrows and burdens to the Lord.

He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come. . . he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair (Isaiah 61:2-3).

Stop & Think: May 25, 2020

Aging

Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art. (Stanislaw Jerzy Lec, 20th century Polish poet)

Children can hardly wait to grow up, and many adults wish they could be restored to a youthful age. Learning to be content with your current stage in life is an important but difficult lesson to learn. To age gracefully, gaining experience and wisdom and learning how to share them, is an art. Growing old is inevitable, and it can provide many opportunities to practice the “art.”

The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old (Proverbs 20:29).

Stop & Think: May 24, 2020

Secrets

There are two kinds of secrets: those we keep from others and [those] we hide from ourselves. (Frank Warren, British sports promoter)

“Cross my heart and hope to die” was a mantra we recited as kids when we promised not to tell a friend’s secret. Fortunately, breaking that pledge does not result in our death, because most of us don’t do well at keeping secrets. Warren continued, “Sometimes when we believe we are keeping a secret, that secret is actually keeping us.” Better to avoid secrets and just be open.

A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence (Proverbs 11:13).

Stop & Think: May 23, 2020

Judging

Diagnosis without prescription is a cruel thing. (Mark Buchanan, physicist and author)

We all seem to be able to diagnose the troubles of the world. Whether it’s local school issues, national political debates, or our neighbor’s distressing situation—we can quickly identify the problem. Even if that were really true, Buchanan’s observation is critical. Do you know how to solve those problems? Really? Rather than make judgments, work to resolve the dilemma.

Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged (Matthew 7:1-2).

Stop & Think: May 22, 2020

Music

You can cage the singer but not the song. (Harry Belafonte, 20th century pops singer)

Music has a way of outlasting its composer, singer, or artist. Tunes and lyrics may remain in our minds or be recalled at odd moments far removed from when they were popular. That’s why music is such a powerful art. Long after a composer or performer is gone, the melody and lyrics linger on.

[Be] singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts (Ephesians 5:19).