Daily Stop & Thinks

Art, like morality, consists in drawing the line somewhere. (G. K. Chesterton, 19^th-20^th century English writer and philosopher)

Most of us are not genuine art critics. We usually just say, “I know what I like.” And tastes differ greatly. What to one person is beautiful and inspiring to another is boring or beyond understanding. Morality is like that in many minds, too. Wherever you personally draw the line determines the boundary. What we really need, however, are clear, specific limits.

Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully (Proverbs 28:5).

Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time. (Jim Rohn, American author and motivational speaker)

Getting more money may be more difficult that it sounds in this quote, but the statement is true and good to understand. You can’t get more time, no matter how much you may want to. Stewardship of time, therefore, is really more important that good stewardship of money. We must learn how to make the best use of time for personal and social benefit.

For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter (Ecclesiastes 8:6). Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).

The legacy we leave is not just in our possessions, but in the quality of our lives. (Billy Graham, world-renowned evangelist)

In doing their estate planning, many folks allocate certain of their possessions to be given at their death to various family members and friends. That’s a very wise and gracious act, but, as Graham suggests, it’s far more important to live lives of good character and integrity, passing on such qualities to those who follow.

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned (Titus 2:7-8).

Some of the world’s greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossible. (Doug Larson, 20^th century newspaper columnist)

“I don’t think it can be done” might well be the motto of the wanna-be inventors who can’t ever seem to pursue an idea to its conclusion. It isn’t necessary to be dumb (“not smart enough”) to give up too soon. It’s just the lack of persistence—the drive to keep at a promising project—that dooms many good intentions. Keep working at it!

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (Colossians 3:23).

Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Wishing is not enough; we must do. (Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, 18^th-19^th century German writer)

The older we grow and the more we learn, the greater knowledge we accumulate. But, knowledge, as Von Goethe says, is not sufficient in itself. How we use what we know is the important issue. Likewise, hoping for good things to happen is not enough either. We must put into action what we wish to see achieved. Only then can we reach worthy goals.

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

All healthy relationships involve careful listening. (André Neher, 20^th century Jewish scholar and philosopher).

Ernest Hemingway, 20^th century novelist, gave similar counsel: “When people talk, listen completely.” Neher’s goes on to say that good relationships depend on two –way communication. Many of us speak well but need to develop the art of careful and attentive listening.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen [and] slow to speak (James 1:19).

Life is like riding a bicycle; to keep your balance, you must keep moving. (Albert Einstein, master scientist)

Life is often very complicated. Sometimes, the ride may be so difficult that we want to get off the merry-go-round and just stop for a while. Einstein uses a great analogy, however, to encourage us to keep moving on. A brief rest might be necessary from time to time, but unless we get back on the bike and keep pedaling, we won’t make any progress at all.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).

Obedience is the bridge between knowledge – and – experience. (C. Davis)

Knowledge is important, but by itself it isn’t always helpful. The Bible says that “knowledge puffs up” (1 Corinthians 8:1) and you may know someone who seems so proud of all they know. How you live your life will demonstrate whether your knowledge is used to good advantage. The key is obeying, following the truth you have learned.

To obey is better than sacrifice. (1 Samuel 15:22). Jesus: “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. (John 14:23).

The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one. (Elbert Hubbard, 19^th-20^th century American writer, philosopher)

No one wants to make mistakes, and most of us do all we can to avoid errors whether in conduct, speech, or writing. But, mistakes do happen to everyone, and we can learn a lot by discovering and correcting our mistakes. . The only people who don’t make mistakes are those who don’t do anything. So, work hard, do you best, but don’t stop for fear of failure.

Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad. (Anne Geddes, Australian-born photographer)

Today is Father’s Day in the USA. We hear a lot today about the absence of fathers in the home, and that, indeed, is a tragedy. But, as Geddes points out, it isn’t just the presence of a man in the house that guarantees a happy and productive family. Successful fatherhood requires loyalty, dedication, and commitment. Praise God for such men and pray for more!

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

Focus on building others up and they’ll be less inclined to tear you down. (Russell L. Martin, Delaware, Ohio, county sheriff)

The media increasingly seems to tweet and broadcast jokes and aspersions that border on character assassination. Unfortunately, messages conveyed by humor often are remembered more widely and longer than the mere statement of facts. More civil and gracious speech, however, as Sheriff Martin suggests, would achieve more positive results.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29).

At the moment of truth, you will not rise to the level of expectation, but will fall to the level of training. (Paraphrase of Archilochus, 7^th century B.C. Greek poet)

We are sometimes disappointed when events don’t turn out as expected or, worse, when people don’t live up to our (or their) expectations. In a time of crisis, it’s not what we hope for that determines the outcome; rather, it’s how well prepared we are to address the trying situation. Solid training along with faithful practice will help achieve success.

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever (1 Corinthians 9:25).