GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: January 28, 2020

Purpose I

The man who regards his own life and that of his fellow creatures as meaningless is not merely unfortunate, but also disqualified for life. (Albert Einstein, late scientist)

There is a widespread philosophy today that views life just as Einstein suggests: meaningless. We might not go as far as he does to suggest they are “disqualified for life,” but we surely recognize their forlorn plight. What is there to hope for? What purpose is there if life is without significance? How comforting to know that God has meaning and purpose for all.

“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless. . . . [But] here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” (Ecclesiastes 12:8, 13)

Stop & Think: January 27, 2020

Maturity

For the unlearned, old age is winter; for the learned it is the season of the harvest. (The Talmud, book of Jewish law and theology)

Growing old to some is a bleak and dreaded prospect. We all fear diminished physical ability, lessened visual and hearing acuity, and memory loss, which are prevalent among the aging. How encouraging it is, however, to note that many senior citizens are still active and involved. As the Talmud suggests, like mature crops in the field, advanced years can still be productive.

Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old. (Job 12:12)

Stop & Think: January 26, 2020

Performing

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena . . . (Theodore Roosevelt, 26th president of the United States)

It’s always easy to criticize the faults—whether real or perceived—of others in public view. We’d likely agree with Roosevelt’s statement, but we’d probably have to acknowledge that we do make such judgments sometimes. Critics are many, but it’s the performer who should be appreciated even when what he does isn’t perfect.

Better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool. (Ecclesiastes 7:5)

Stop & Think: January 25, 2020

Inspiration

I learned that inspiration does not come like a bolt . . . it comes into us slowly and quietly and all the time. . . (Brenda Ueland, late writer)

She continues, “. . . nor is [inspiration] kinetic, energetic striving . . . we must regularly and every day give it a little chance to start flowing, prime it with a little solitude and idleness.” Ideas are floated all around us, but it often takes a lot of contemplative time to be creative, to come up with a new thought or a new twist on an idea that can be used constructively.

Do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. . .  Instead, train yourself to be godly. . .  Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas. (1 Timothy 4:7; Hebrews 13:9)

Stop & Think: January 24, 2020

Cooperation

If you can’t beat ’em, cooperate ’em to death. (Charlie Brown in Peanuts cartoon)

Sometimes cartoon characters can give us something worth thinking about. What would life be like if, instead of continuing to fight against someone, we decided to join them in some agreed-on project. Not only would we remove everyone from harmful conflict, we might be able to accomplish something of value, not only to us, but to a broader group.

When you make an agreement with your neighbor . . . you must not take advantage of each other. (Leviticus 25:14)

Stop & Think: January 23, 2020

Encourage

Every person you meet today is hurting deep inside from something. Go gentle into this good day. (Leonard Sweet, American theologian)

You just can’t tell what is going on in someone’s life just by seeing them briefly. They may give the appearance of health and happiness, but a few minutes’ conversation might very well reveal some deep-seated health, family, or emotional needs. Sweet’s advice is a challenge to be sensitive to others with the intention to encourage and lift them up.

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Stop & Think: January 22, 2020

Quiet II

If we have not quiet in our minds, outward comfort will do no more for us than a golden slipper on a gouty foot. (John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim’s Progress)

The analogy is clear, isn’t it? Can you imagine anything much more painful than trying to put a slipper—no matter its beauty or value—on an aching foot? When we think of the struggles that Bunyan experienced as a prisoner for 12 years, we can begin to understand, perhaps, what quietness of heart and mind can mean to the person who is trusting in God, as he did.

This is what the Sovereign Lord . . . says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength . . . (Isaiah 30:15)

Stop & Think: January 21, 2020

Quiet I

Ah! How good it feels, the hand of an old friend. (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 19th century American poet)

How many acquaintances have you “friended” on social media? How many of them are long-term friends? The term friend seems to have taken on a different meaning in recent years. In our modern rush-rush world, how nice it would be if we could take a few moments to grab a friend’s hand and enjoy some quiet time together.

Better to hear the quiet words of a wise person than the shouts of a foolish king. (Ecclesiastes 9:17)

Stop & Think: January 20, 2020

Opportunity

It would be easy to let our obstacles hinder our opportunity. (Tammy Shults, aviator and author)

Obstacles arise in life’s pathway all too frequently. How we respond to them is the key to progress and success. Many times, when the difficulties seem insurmountable, we just give up. That’s easy, Shults says. It’s also the reason for failure. So, as she hints, we must learn to see those problems as opportunities and move forward with purpose.

When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. (James 1:2)

Stop & Think: January 19, 2020

Choices

The really tough choices don’t center upon right versus wrong. They involve right versus right. (Rushworth M. Kidder, late author and professor)

Kidder continues: “They are genuine dilemmas precisely because each side is firmly rooted in one of our basic, core values: truth vs. loyalty, individual vs. community, short-term vs. long-term, justice vs. mercy.” Choosing between right and wrong should involve a quick and easy decision. But determining priorities among many good choices requires careful thought.

Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. . . Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 2:11; 22:1)

Stop & Think: January 18, 2020

Music II

Music expresses that which cannot remain silent and that which cannot be put into words. (Victor Hugo, 19th century French novelist)

What would life be like without music? Whether it’s jazz, sacred, classical, vocal, instrumental—whatever the style, music creates an atmosphere different from the daily grind of work and routine. We wouldn’t go as far as Friedrich Nietzsche who said, “Without music, life would be a mistake” but we do recognize that there would be a huge void in life without it.

Be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. (Ephesians 5: 18-19)

Stop & Think: January 17, 2020

Music I

Music is the shorthand of emotion. (Leo Tolstoy, 19th-20th century Russian writer)

Why do dramatic movie and TV shows have carefully written music backgrounds? Composers and conductors are hired to enhance the show with music that will play to the emotion, subtly perhaps, but it is purposely designed to highlight the desired emotional response. Without music much of movie life and, more importantly, real life would be bleak and unfeeling.

David also ordered . . . a choir of Levites who were singers and musicians to sing joyful songs to the accompaniment of harps, lyres, and cymbals. (1 Chronicles 15:16)