Daily Stop & Thinks

A Smile

If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love. (Maya Angelou, late US Poet Laureate)

“Roses are Red, Violets are Blue . . .” is the way our childish Valentine cards often began. It’s Valentine’s Day, and we’re expected to card and gift those we love today. There may be a lot of people we really care for and we can at least do what Angelou suggests—give them a smile. It costs very little but it can be very helpful—a valuable touch to those you love.

Look at him; give him your warmest smile. (Psalm 34:5)

A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face. (Proverbs 15:13)

Coincidence

Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous. (Albert Einstein, late noted scientist)

When certain circumstances of life seem to converge in an unexpected, “accidental” sort of way, we often wonder why and how. Although Einstein would probably not be considered a theologian, his common-sense statement is thought-provoking. We can’t always see God’s hand at work, but we are grateful to know that he is still working for what is best for his children.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)

Love II

When we give love away, it always comes back to us. Love is a verb… it is an action… it is THE action. (Dan O’Deens, author)

Many people mistakenly think of love as just an interaction between two bodies that may or may not convey any true sentiment of caring. While God has created us with the ability for physical pleasure in the relationship of marriage, O’Deens correctly notes that it is even more than that. Biblical love is intended to involve our acting toward others for their good.

Don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13)

Love I

Life’s greatest happiness is to be convinced we are loved. (Victor Hugo, 19^th century French dramatist)

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love; that’s the only thing there’s too little of.” So go the words of a popular 1965 song. It could be appropriately sung these 55 years later. But, the love that is sung about today is mostly romantic sentiment if even that. Hugo was right, but what he may not have known is that God’s love is the only genuine and lasting source of happiness.

This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. (1 John 4:10)

Opportunity

Success is when preparation and opportunity meet. (Bobby Unser, automobile racer)

We’ve heard it said that opportunity knocks only once, so we’re always to be ready for that “knock.” Agreeing with Unser, Chris Grosser wrote, “Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.” We can’t just hope for a great chance to happen our way, we have to work to create an environment in which we’re always ready to pursue the opportunity we’ve prepared for.

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. (Ephesians 3:15-16)

Pleasure

Most men pursue pleasure with such breathless haste that they hurry past it. (Søren Kierkegaard, 19^th century Danish philosopher)

2020 has begun like every other year—people seem to be rushing here and there to fill their unquenchable thirst for pleasure. Whether it’s sports, video games, or any other of hundreds of fun pursuits—it all seems to end in frustration. There’s never enough of it; we always want more. Meantime, we’ve missed the joy of the everyday pursuits we’ve passed by along the way.

Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the “good things” in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. (Ecclesiastes 2:1)

Friends

Make new friends but keep the old; one is silver and the other gold. (Girl Scout song)

Meeting new people and becoming friends is a joyful experience of life for those who want to make new connections. Both short-term and long-term relationships are of value, but it takes a while to develop friendships that are more intimate and responsible. It may begin with simple companionship, but over time closeness develops and becomes golden.

A friend is always loyal. . .  a real friend sticks closer than a brother. . . The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. . . As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (Proverbs 17:27; 18:24; 27:9, 17)

Change

If a person sees no benefit to change, they will not change. (Byron Pulsifer, writer)

He continues, “Each person has a choice; the choice to do as one may wish and as one wants remains with the individual.” Choices and change are two ever-present realities of life that we all have to deal with repeatedly. Change is inevitable, whether we choose it or not. So, how we handle change is our choice. It’s safest to anchor to the unchanging One.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Leaders

A leader that cannot be trusted or respected is not a leader—he is an office holder. (Jeff Bogue, pastor)

It’s a tragedy when we discover that someone in a government or community position of influence cannot be trusted. He or she may still hold the office and exercise certain powers of their authority, but it’s a sad state of affairs. In our elections, we should look for people who are not only gifted and capable but who also demonstrate integrity and are trustworthy.

Wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability. (Proverbs 28:2)

If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. (Romans 12:8)

Teaching

We cannot teach what we do not know, and we cannot lead where we do not go. (Hirsch and Catchim, authors)

Have you ever been asked to lead a discussion on a topic you really didn’t understand? If you have, you know that’s a really tough situation. What may even be worse, however, is to be expected to lead a group someplace that you’ve never been, especially if it’s an academic assignment or project. Study and experience really are the prerequisites for effective teaching.

Promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. . .  And you yourself must be an example to them. . .  Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. (Titus 2:1, 7)

Attitude

Greatness is revealed mainly in our attitude. (Chuck Swindoll, pastor, author)

What sets apart men and women who succeed in their chosen fields but are honored more than some others who have also achieved a lot? The accomplishments may be of equal value and importance, but the attitudes might be very different. Some may be proud and boastful; others humble and grateful. They are the achievers we most want to be like.

All of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. (1 Peter 3:8)

Legacy

Legacy isn’t leaving something for people; it’s leaving something in people. (Greg Groeschel, leadership speaker)

When we begin to consider what we might leave our children, we’re usually thinking of estate issues: houses, personal property, and finances. Groeschel, however points out what is really so much more important. What kind of people will our heirs be? What have we helped develop in them that will have a beneficial impact on others?

[Those that fear the Lord] share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. (Psalm 112:9)