GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: December 13, 2019

Growing Up

As we grow up, we begin to see life in a different way. (Pastor Mike Lee)

Lee continues: “Hopefully, we’ll learn what the world is really like and move away from childhood impressions. Maturity gives us a more balanced view of life and helps us to see how we can contribute to it.” Childhood can be a lot of fun with its toys and games, fun play times, and stories that spark our imaginations. It’s a time for growing up, too.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. (1 Corinthians 13:11)

Stop & Think: December 12, 2019

Influence

When you are being kicked in the rear, it must mean you’re in the front. (Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, 20th century TV spokesman)

It hurts to be criticized or have someone put you down, doesn’t it? We’d rather have a little push forward, some helpful advice, or a word of encouragement. But life isn’t always the way we’d want it to be. Perhaps the bishop’s observation will help. Maybe not everyone is for us, but just to be noticed suggests we’re having some influence in someone’s live.

Those who fear the Lord share freely. . . Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. (Psalm 112:1, 9)

Stop & Think: December 11, 2019

Smiling

It is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand. (Mother Teresa)

Christmas is still two weeks away, but Mother Teresa’s advice is good not only for the next two weeks but all year long. This special holiday brings a lot of joy to many people, but there are many others who don’t have much to look forward to, and they need someone to encourage them and lift up their spirits. Get in the habit of smiling, and you’ll bring joy to a lot of people.

When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them. (Job 29:24)

Stop & Think: December 10, 2019

Be a Helper

Be a lamp, a lifeboat, or a ladder. (Rumi, 13th century Persian poet)

What’s common about those three words? It isn’t their particular definition but, rather, what they can be used for. Think about the influence of your life. How could you be a light to someone whose path seems so dark? Can you provide a means of rescue for someone who is drifting dangerously? How can you help someone take the next step up toward fulfillment?

Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. (1 Peter 4:11)

Stop & Think: December 9, 2019

Focus

The successful warrior is the average man with laser-like focus. (Bruce Lee, 20th century actor and martial artist)

In the movies and TV stories heroes are often depicted as men or women of extraordinary strength and courage. Lee suggests, however that the real key to success in battle is focus, full attention given to the purposeful effort to overcome the enemy or the obstacle. Alexander Bell put it this way, “Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand.” Good advice!

I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running and I’m not turning back. (Philippians 3:12-14)

Stop & Think: December 8, 2019

Why am I here?

Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great puzzle. (Lewis Carroll, 19th century English writer)

That quote from Alice in Wonderland is more than just a fictional concern. It is one of the essential questions in life. Who am I? Why am I here? Those are existential queries that have perplexed mankind since the beginning. Late Indian leader Gandhi offered a clue: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News. (Ephesians 3:7)

Stop & Think: December 7, 2019

Inertia

The first obstacle to be overcome in any undertaking is the inertia of the people who are to perform the task. (Source unknown)

Whether it’s the production of the newest widget in the market, the painting of a masterpiece in art, or the winning of an Olympic gold medal, the first step is getting up and moving toward achieving the goal. Inertia is the first reason for the lack of accomplishment. The idea may be good, the strategy perfect, the goal in clear view, but you have to get up and get going.

Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. (Romans 12:11)

Stop & Think: December 6, 2019

Achievement

God is not going to look us over for medals, degrees, or diplomas, but for scars. (James Gribble, pioneer missionary)

We tend to evaluate people’s success by the medals won, degrees or diplomas earned, or otherwise gaining public acclaim for their achievements. They are worthy of note, of course, but a better indication of achievement might be the obstacles overcome, evidenced by the marks of struggle and difficulty. Value is increased by the cost of the achievement.

For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. (1 John 2:16)

Stop & Think: December 5, 2019

Humility

With popularity comes the need for humility. With prosperity comes the need for integrity. (Chuck Swindoll, author)

Only a few people may want to be the life-of-the-party, but almost everyone wants to be popular. No one enjoys being the “wall flower” at a party or a class reunion. But, like every positive trait, even popularity has its downside. The more popular you are, the more you may have to deal with pride. That’s why Swindoll says that humility is a helpful antidote for pride.

Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)

Stop & Think: December 4, 2019

Christmas is Coming

Christmas! The very word brings joy to our hearts. (Joan Winmill Brown, British actor & writer)

It’s still three weeks till Christmas, yet the anticipation has begun. Brown continues, “No matter how we may dread the rush, the long Christmas lists for gifts and cards to be bought and given, when Christmas Day comes there is still the same warm feeling we had as children, the same warmth that enfolds our hearts and our homes.” Avoid the rush; anticipate the joy of the Day.

Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than receive.” (Acts 20:35)

Stop & Think: December 3, 2019

Plan Ahead

December, being the last month of the year, cannot help but make us think of what is to come. (Fennel Hudson, rural lifestyle author)

Children (even grown-up children) welcome December and look forward excitedly to Christmas. Others are already complaining about the weather and are counting the weeks and days till spring. In reality, we all must pay attention both to today and its work and to the future, as well. Failing to plan will almost certainly make our future days more difficult.

If you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness. . . Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity. (Proverbs 14:22; 21:5)

Stop & Think: December 2, 2019

The Seasons

May and October, the best-smelling months? I’ll make a case for December: evergreen, frost, wood smoke, cinnamon. (Lisa Kleypas , American novelist)

Some people like spring freshness; others wait eagerly for summer heat. Fall colors are favorites for many. But then there are some who really prefer cold and snow. So it takes all kinds, doesn’t it? Klaypas’ comment is a great encouragement to those who dread winter. Think positively, she says, about the scents of the season. There’s always something to appreciate.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)