GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

August 5, 2017

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something different is the greatest accomplishment. (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19th century essayist and poet)

People today—especially young people—are pressed on every side to conform to whatever the current “ideal” image is supposed to be. TV, movies, and social media, constantly portray what the current appearance, activity, or music style should be. It takes a good, moral foundation to withstand such pressure and to be the person God made you to be.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2).

August 4, 2017

A life not lived for others is not a life. (Mother Teresa)

That’s a hard saying, isn’t it? Many of us have been raised in an environment where we are taught to look out for ourselves first, and to beware of others lest they take advantage of us. That kind of life outlook, however, makes you defensive and wary of anyone who wants to get close to you. Living for the benefit of others, however, leads to a life of joy and fulfillment.

Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed (Proverbs 11:25)

August 3, 2017

There are three guaranteed ways to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing. (Frequently quoted observation)

Although constructive criticism can be of great value, most of us don’t enjoy being criticized. Even when it’s right and intended for our good, it hurts to hear it. Realizing the truth of the quotation above, many people refuse to be involved in worthy efforts because they fear criticism. We need to learn how to accept criticism to improve our influence on others.

Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise (Proverbs 15:31).

August 2, 2017

If we do not change direction, we are likely to end up where we are headed. (Ancient Chinese proverb)

It’s simple common sense, isn’t it? Albert Einstein said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” If we’re going the wrong way, we’d better change directions in a hurry or we’ll end up where we don’t want to be. We must set our course correctly and work diligently to arrive at the desired destination.

Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense (Proverbs 10:13).

August 1, 2017

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. (Maya Angelou, late U.S. poet laureate)

Angelou’s observation is important to remember. We often think that what we say to people or what we do for them will influence them long into the future. Occasionally, that may be true, but her final comment is sobering. That’s why we need to speak and act with what the Bible calls “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Let our goal be to encourage others.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

July 31, 2017

If you’re not comfortable within yourself, you can’t be comfortable with others. (Sydney J. Harris, (20th century American journalist)

“It’s surprising how many persons go through life without ever recognizing that their feelings toward other people are largely determined by their feelings toward themselves.” Harris concludes that that’s the reason so many people are not at ease with themselves. We do need to have a proper understanding of our self-worth to properly relate to others.

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment (Romans 12:3).

July 30, 2017

The creative person is willing to live with ambiguity. He doesn’t need problems solved immediately and can afford to wait for the right ideas. (Abe Tannenbaum, architect)

Like most people, you have probably looked at a uniquely constructed building and wondered, “Who designed that?” While architecture requires following certain principles of physical science, an exceptional structure reflects the original and creative mind of the designer. Patience and a willingness to think “outside the box” make for such designs.

The men in charge of the work were diligent, and the repairs progressed under them. They rebuilt the temple of God according to its original design and reinforced it. (2 Chronicles 24:13).

July 29, 2017

Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. (Dennis P. Kimbro, business teacher and writer)

Not everything that happens to us in our life experience is good or pleasant. Disease, accidents, mistreatment—they all occur in everyone’s life at one time or another. We can blame those misfortunes for our failure to move on, or we can regard them as opportunities to learn how to cope and to move ahead to better things.

I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw (Proverbs 24:32). It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees (Psalm 119:71).

July 28, 2017

Values are taught more by example than by lecture and research. (Jesse Deloe, writer, editor)

We are often told that good education would help solve most of society’s problems. But William Burroughs notes that “The aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of values.” Knowledge of facts is increasing exponentially today, but basic life values have not decreased or changed, and that’s where good education must begin.

In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned (Titus 2:7-8).

July 27, 2017

The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. (Henry David Thoreau, 19th century American essayist and philosopher)

Is Thoreau’s observation accurate? Was it true in his lifetime? Today? The daily news, on TV, in hard print, or on social media might seem to substantiate that depressing claim. What hope is there, then, for our 21st century? It would seem that a return to fundamental truths regarding the nature of man and his spiritual need would be most helpful.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

July 26, 2017

The most wonderful of all things in life, I believe, is the discovery of another human being with whom one’s relationship has a glowing depth, beauty, and joy as the years increase. (Sir Hugh Walpoe, 20th century English novelist)

Speaking of meeting such a friend, Walpole goes on to say, “It is a sort of Divine accident.” We sometimes talk of certain strong marriages as “made in heaven.” We can certainly say the same of strong friendships. Human beings can have such a fulfilling life when they discover a deep, lasting relationship.

Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord (1 Samuel 20:42).

July 25, 2017

The practice of scales solves the greatest number of technical problems in the shortest amount of time. (Andrés Segovia, Spanish classical guitarist).

Remember when your mother insisted that you take piano lessons? Many of us started but soon gave up. The repetition of playing scales was just too boring. When we hear talented pianists today, many of us regret that we didn’t stick with practicing. Persevering through those dreadful scales might have rewarded us with hours of enjoyment at the keyboard.

Jesus: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).