GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: September 26, 2023

Balance

Wisdom is the fruit of a balanced development. It is this balanced growth of individuality which it should be the aim of education to secure. (Alfred North Whitehead, 19th-20th century English mathematician)

Education is one of those highly explosive topics for discussion today. Federal and state agencies are wrestling with the issue, and it seems Whitehead’s counsel would be helpful to follow. Balance is often hard to achieve in any endeavor. (Just ask a high balance beam gymnast.) It may be even more difficult to achieve in life unless we look at all sides of the issues.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding . . .. He sets the standards for fairness (Proverbs 2:6; 16:11b)

Stop & Think: September 25, 2023

Imagination

Nothing is more free than the imagination of man. (Hume, 18th-century Scottish essayist)

Out of free thinking have come imaginative thoughts that have created much of what we experience today. However, it’s not all good. What God saw among his creation early on was that “every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). We see evidence of such thinking today, too. So, it’s critical to judge well and follow worthy ideas.

Cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5 paraphrase).

Stop & Think: September 24, 2023

Friends

Without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods. (Aristotle, ancient Greek philosopher)

The thought is a bit extreme, but current reports on suicides and attempted suicides are alarming. We hear of people who have a lot of this worlds goods and have achieved a degree of success and fame, yet take their lives. Apparently, having “all other goods” doesn’t bring satisfaction. Loneliness itself may be fatal. We must look not only to have friends but to make friends.

The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends (Proverbs 11:30)

Stop & Think: September 23, 2023

Rest

We work, we play…we work, we play- but our spirits are neglected in the cycle. (William Wilberforce, 18th-19th century British politician and philanthropist)

Sports are all-pervasive in today’s society. Kids are encouraged to participate in baseball, soccer, gymnastics virtually year-round. TV and newsprint are filled with advertisements for sports equipment and physical training. Workers are looking for retirement to play golf or pickle ball. Where is the time for needed rest and relaxation to benefit the soul? Don’t neglect it!

Jesus: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest . . .. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-29) 

Stop & Think: September 22, 2023

Influence

When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another. (Helen Keller, late author and speaker)

Who would have thought that a girl with Keller’s physical disabilities could become such a great encourager and person of influence? The great miracles of life are not always the phenomena of healings or restorations. They often are the results of personal influence in spite of, or maybe because of handicaps. What a privilege to share our life-lessons with those who need them.

They 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).

Stop & Think: September 21, 2023

Integrity

Often, if there is no risk of loss or painful consequences, one will never know if one has integrity. (Sam Storms, teacher and author)

Storms continues: “One will never know if what motivates you is moral conviction or moral convenience until you are forced to suffer loss for standing your ground or keeping your word.” We might wish it were otherwise—that people could just see our integrity without losses or difficulties to test us. So, be sure your strong character is seen when hard times come.

The LORD tested Israel as he led them through the wilderness . . . testing them to prove their character (Deuteronomy 8:2 paraphrased).  Endurance develops strength of character (Romans 5:4).

Stop & Think: September 20, 2023

Purpose

Ships are safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for. (John A. Shedd, American author and businessman)

Safety is an important factor in any venture, but it cannot be the only consideration. Shedd’s observation suggests that although it may be tempting to stay in one’s comfort zone, true success lies in taking risks and venturing outside of it. To keep a ship in harbor that has been built to withstand sea travel and equipped to carry valuable cargo would be a terrible waste.

The Lord has made everything for his own purposes (Proverbs 16:4). This message shows that God chooses people according to his own purposes (Romans 9:11).

Stop & Think: September 19, 2023

What the World Needs

Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive because the world needs people who have come alive. (Howard Thurman, 20th-century author)

“What the World Needs Now Is Love” was a popular song a few years ago, and it’s sentiment is still true, no doubt. But Thurman’s suggestion is a great challenge. If, indeed, each of us would focus on what excites us most and find ways to use that enthusiasm to benefit others in our community, there’s no telling what good we could accomplish.

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people (Ephesians 6:7). 

Stop & Think: September 18, 2023

Learning

The smartest people are those who know what they don’t know. (Keith Minier, minister)

Just imagine what it would be like today if Thomas Edison had rested on his early discoveries, feeling he already knew all that he needed to know. Probably no one in his right mind ever thinks he knows it all. And those who act like they do are usually unpopular and, probably, not very productive. Keep learning, growing, and contributing.

Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance . . .Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. (Proverbs 1:5; 9:9)

Stop & Think: September 17, 2023

Freedom

Obedience is the pathway to freedom. (Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Bible teacher and speaker)

When someone says, “You can’t do that,” we think we must try to do it anyway just to show we can. We think that freedom means we can do whatever we want without restrictions. Of course, society couldn’t survive a pervasive attitude like or that. True freedom means you are free to work within the boundaries that keep you and others safe. That’s the freedom of obedience

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: September 16, 2023

Trust

We take other men’s knowledge and opinions upon trust. (Montaigne, 16th-century French philosopher)

Montaigne regards that fact as “an idle and superficial leaning.” Why? Because, as he notes, “We must make it our own.” We can’t conduct our lives on the basis of what other people have learned or experienced. From another perspective, in matters of faith, we can’t come to God on what someone else believes. It’s necessary for us to trust God ourselves to have his blessing.

There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith (Romans 3:30).

Stop & Think: September 15, 2023

Love

Minds . . . are not conquered by arms, but by love and generosity. (Baruch Spinoza, 17th-century Dutch ethical egoist)

In times like ours, it seems like wars are the only way to settle disputes among nations. On more local terms, crime appears to be the popular way to settle personal disputes. Neither brings true and lasting peace personally or internationally. Spinoza’s suggestion is helpful in facing disagreements, individually or in communities. If we could do so, how peaceful life could be.

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare (Proverbs 15:1). Let love be your highest goal! . . .  And do everything with love. (1 Corinthians 14:1; 16:14)