Daily Stop & Thinks

In other times and places heroes made history. In our time and place they make CDs and touchdowns. (Bill Brown, educator)

We do sometimes see “old-fashioned” heroes like the first-responders and volunteers at the Las Vegas shooting or military service personnel, but the word’s meaning has changed. Now, “hero” seems to apply to athletic and entertainment stars whose contributions may provide an escape from reality but don’t really result in preserving or advancing life and its values.

Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight. (1 Chronicles 19:13)

Life. You wear it well. (Clothing store sign)

Millions—probably billions—of dollars are spent every year for a new outfit to match the season or some special occasion. But, the old saying isn’t really true that “clothes make the man.” The expression of one’s face, the phrases of one’s speech, the demonstration of one’s character—those are the elements that demonstrate a life well lived.

Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. (Proverbs 7:2) I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. . . . Live as children of light (Ephesians 4:1; 5:8).

Humble people don’t think less of themselves. They just think of themselves less. (Norman Vincent Peale, American proponent of Positive Thinking)

Genuine humility is not self-effacing or being a Mr. Milquetoast, a sort of proverbial floor mat to be walked on. Like meekness, which really is restrained power, humility allows a person to see himself as he or she really is. But, he/she thinks of others more, and is concerned more for their well-being than for his or her own.

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought. (Romans 12:3) In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but . . . to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

The most important thing you will leave behind when you die is your legacy. (John Wooden, legendary basketball coach)

Wooden continued, “And the greatest legacy you can leave is your life, your principles and the lives you touch.” Although an acknowledged all-star coach, Wooden was known by his players as a teacher of ethics and high standards for living. They learned, as we all should, that winning games is great, but integrity and character endure much longer than won-lost statistics.

A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children. (Proverbs 13:22)

We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone. (Loretta Scott)

Disasters are filling the headlines. Hurricanes, floods, forest fires, and even a deadly massacre have brought physical and emotional tragedy across our nation. The church and non-profit organizations have joined government agencies in attempts to ease the pain and suffering. We can’t help everyone, but we can at least reach out to someone suffering near us and lend a hand.

And we urge you . . . encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

It isn’t that [men] can’t see the solution. It is that they can’t see the problem. (G. K. Chesterton, 19^th & 20^th century English writer and philosopher)

Difficulties and trials in life are often quite complex. We jump to conclusions—not only in looking for quick solutions but, more importantly, perhaps, not carefully identifying the problem. Quick and simple answers may seem to be obvious, but more careful deliberation could lead to a more reasonable and helpful resolution. Be patient, pray, seek counsel; then act.

The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble. (Proverbs 19:23)

Truth must be the content of our speech, and love must be the motivation. (Kip Cone, pastor)

The Bible says that the tongue can be a dangerous thing and that no man can tame it. (See James 3.) Cone suggests two considerations that can help us use our tongues wisely and helpfully. Always tell the truth. That may sometimes require confrontation, but when the truth is told with genuine, caring love, it will encourage and build up.

Speak the truth in love. (Paraphrased excerpt of Ephesians 4:15)

Our origins matter less than our destinies. (Ronald Reagan, 40^th president of the United States)

Reagan was probably not discounting the importance of origins. Our roots are significant; they might have had a critical role in our upbringing and development. But, the former actor and political leader was most likely emphasizing the critical nature of knowing where we’re heading—of having an objective worthy of our best effort and most noble intentions.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me. (Philippians 3:14)

The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. And the first to learn from it and move on is the happiest. (Source unknown)

That’s quite a loaded three-part idea, isn’t it? Apologizing is often difficult; it requires humility to admit you’ve been wrong. To do so takes courage. Forgiving may be even harder, especially if you’ve been deeply hurt. That requires great inner strength. But learning these lessons can not only restore broken relationships and give you a sense of freedom and relief, but it can produce a joy that you cannot experience without apology and forgiveness.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9).

The greatest tragedy in life is the prayers that go unanswered simply because they go unasked. (Keith Madison, college basketball coach)

Prayer is a practice in every religion, no doubt, but it often becomes only a ritual, a rite reserved for public service. It’s sometimes practiced only in case of an extreme emergency. Madison’s comment is simple but probably reflects the neglect of prayer at times when it could be most helpful.

You do not have because you do not ask God (James 4:2). Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7).

A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties. (Harry S. Truman, 33^rd president of the United States)

It is universal. Everyone faces difficulties in life—from early childhood to the end of earthly life. It’s often how we handle those trials that determine our success or failure. Do we see them as irresolvable, something we can’t ever overcome? Or do we see them as occasions for growth and achievement? Don’t look for disasters, but do look for opportunities.

(God said): “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (The Apostle Paul): “That is why . . . I delight in weaknesses . . . in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12: 8, 10).

You can’t trust what you can’t test. (Bart Blair, pastor in Canada)

How many of us have made the mistake of putting our trust in something or someone and finding it or them untrustworthy. Trust or faith is only as good as the object of that trust. It would be wise to search for evidence of worthiness before committing to the unfamiliar. Blair says further, “Trust is built in very small Increments over a long period of time.”

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. . . . Whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe (Proverbs 3:5; 29:25).