Daily Stop & Thinks

Friendship

A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words. (Donna Roberts, imprisoned felon)

When you learn that Roberts is on death row in an Ohio prison, you have to wonder how many friends she has now. You also have to wonder what the song in her heart is. We can hope that there are friends who will encourage her and point her to the source of real friendship and hope. That’s something to live for.

A friend is always loyal… a real friend sticks closer than a brother… The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. (Proverbs 17:17; 18; 24; 27:9)

Encourage a friend around you by buying them the book God of Hope this holiday season.

Power

I firmly believe that before many centuries more, science will be the master of man. (Henry Adams, 19th-20th century historian)

Way back in 1862 Adams also wrote, “Someday science may have the existence of mankind in its power, and the human race [may] commit suicide by blowing up the world.” He even questioned if “we [shall] be able to cruise in space.” Wow, what foresight! But, is it a good thing that science should have so much power? Who or what is it that is the ultimate master?

For royal power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations. God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times: Power, O God, belongs to you. (Psalm 22:28; 62:11)

Donate today to help show others who the power truly belongs to.

Your Gift List

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas. (Peg Bracken, late American author)

Just one week till Christmas, and if you’ve not already finished your Christmas shopping, this is a good reminder from Peg Bracken. It isn’t the cost of the gift in terms of money, but the intent and the affection associated with it. The older we get, the more we appreciate those intangibles. So, as you complete your gift list, make sure you’re giving with joy and love.

For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Consider donating to God of Hope today to help spread God’s love to others.

Reactions

Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out. (John Wooden, late hall-of-fame basketball coach)

Our reaction to the unexpected and sometimes really bad circumstances of life determines how well it will all work out for us. We are often faced with situations that require us to adjust our plans and schedules. Rather than let those interruptions discourage us, we must face them with resolve to make the best of them and keep moving forward.

Keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. (1 Peter 4:19)

Read about how to evaluate and work through life’s difficulties in the book God of Hope. Click here to learn more.

Wisdom

Meaningful learning must go far beyond mere knowledge of the facts. (Jesse Deloe, writer, editor)

We’re told that on average human knowledge is doubling every 13 months, and some say that it will soon be every 12 hours. Wow, how can we keep up with it all? The honest answer is we can’t. But, as suggested above, it isn’t the accumulation of knowledge that is all important. The question is how can we wisely use the knowledge we’re gaining? Think about that awhile.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. (James 1:5)

For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:6)

Help yourself grow further in the knowledge God by purchasing the book God of Hope today.

Anticipation

An intense anticipation itself transforms possibility into reality… (Samuel Smiles, 19th century Scottish author)

Remember, when you were a child, how you looked forward to a long planned vacation trip? Sometimes, the reality wasn’t nearly as much fun as the anticipation. But Smiles was speaking of good planning and effort that almost guarantees a good result. He continued: “our desires being often but precursors of the things which we are capable of performing.”  

Anything is possible if a person believes [expects]. (Mark 9:23)

Click here to purchase the book God of Hope.

Winning

The game of life is a lot like football. You have to tackle your problems, block your fears, and score your points when you get the opportunity. (Inspiration Line)

Football is a complicated game. Only the coaches, players, and sports commentators seem to be able to keep the X’s and O’s straight—Oh, and the referees, too. For the rest of us who enjoy watching the game, we understand the quote above: we can recognize tackling, blocking, and scoring. Applying the stated observations can really help us win in this game of life.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24)

Learn more about how to tackle your problems and hardships in the book God of Hope.

Unity

Diversity without unity makes about as much sense as dishing up on a plate flour, sugar, water, eggs, shortening, and baking powder and calling it a cake. (C. William Pollard, businessman and author)

Today’s society is full of talk about diversity, but we must do more than just tolerate people who are different from us, whether the differences are of origins, economic status, gender, or other divisive issues. We are to be welcoming and encouraging. But as Pollard suggests, diversity by itself cannot reach common goals and interests. Unity is essential for achievement.

Finally… have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. (1 Peter 3:8)

Help others learn about the unity they have under God by donating today.

Imitation

What we revere, we resemble, either for our ruin or our restoration. (Gregory K. Beale, seminary professor)

When children or teenagers begin to “idolize” an athlete, an actor, or a musician, they often begin to dress like the admired one and mimic their behavior patterns. Even adults may begin to talk and act like a highly respected community leader or a government official. We all need to be careful that we emulate people of integrity and good character.

The Apostle Paul, “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

For more inspiring words, click here to purchase the book God of Hope.

Giving

For it is in giving that we receive. (Francis of Assisi)

It’s two weeks until Christmas so it’s a good time to think about your giving and why you give. Consider Assisi’s remark. By giving gifts of love, you will experience the joy of sharing with family and friends. You are not giving to get a gift in return; your motivation is to honor someone as a token of your love and respect for them. The people who receive your gifts will be grateful and enjoy the present, but you may very well be the one who enjoys it most.

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

Help give the ultimate gift of love and joy to others this holiday season by donating to God of Hope today.

Forgiveness

The only thing evil can’t stand is forgiveness. (Fred “Mister” Rogers, late television personality)

We see evil in lots of ways—anger, bullying, verbal abuse, and more. Have you ever noticed that when you respond to such behaviors in the same manner, it only escalates the madness? But if you confront an angry person with a soft answer, it most often startles them and they hardly know what to do next. Forgiving evil conduct can defuse some tough situations.

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. (Proverbs 15:1)

The founder of God of Hope used to experience anger towards God. Learn how he overcame it in his book.

Kindness

Kindness and politeness are not overrated at all. They’re underused. (Tommy Lee Jones, actor)

It seems that Jones’ observation is all too true. In today’s overly-politicized society, there is almost a complete lack of basic courtesy among people of different opinions. Unfortunately, if the attitudes of acceptance and kindness are not “caught” early, children will not learn these basic concepts of courtesy. Don’t just teach kindness and politeness, practice them daily.

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. (Proverbs 3:3)

Spread the kindness of God to others by donating today.