Daily Stop & Thinks

True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice. (Martin Luther King, Jr)

Although we may have differences with other people—even pretty strong disagreements—many of us are happy just to avoid those people or have as little to do with them as we can. We might think we’re at peace with them. However, peace in the Bible is “shalom,” which suggests harmony and unity. We should seek that kind of peace with “offended” friends.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. . . . make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (Romans 12:18; 14:19)

Fear always thinks of what you stand to lose rather than what you stand to gain. (Mike Silliman, pastor)

When making decisions about future endeavors, what is it that either keeps us from stepping out or urges us to move forward? Do we think more about the potential benefits or the possible pitfalls? Silliman suggests that fear might be the reason that stymies us in our planning for the future. Overcoming anxiety may be the first step to making progress.

God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Building bridges to the future does not imply burning bridges with the past. (Tom Julien, author, cross-cultural teacher)

Sometimes when we make our plans for the future, we may disregard the associations and accomplishments of the past. We are so eager to move forward, to pursue new ideas, that we may overlook how we got where we are and who helped us get here. As we build for the future, we must not neglect the progress, lessons learned, and the mentors of the past.

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. (1 Corinthians 3:10)

If God is not first in our thoughts in the morning, He will be in the last place the remainder of the day. (E. M. Bounds, 19^th & 20^th century American clergyman and attorney)

Many people find it helpful to pray, and those that do often find it most effective to begin the day with prayer, a brief conversation with the God of the universe. Living in the world, as we all do, entangles us in a hectic, largely secular society, so it makes good sense to seek a strong relationship with God at the start and throughout the day.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man. (George Washington, first president of the United States)

February seems to be U.S. presidents’ month. Today is the anniversary of Washington’s birth. He was the primary military force in the Revolutionary War, chairman of pre-constitutional conventions, and, of course, chief executive officer of the new American nation. What he valued most, however, was not the titles but being a man of integrity.

I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. (1 Chronicles 29:17)

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely. (Proverbs 10:9)

The tree that grows fast falls easily. (Bill Burk, late cross-cultural teacher)

Many of us are pretty impatient people. When we do our landscaping, we are tempted to plant trees that will grow fast, bloom early, and give us a quick return for our expense and effort. The trees that stand strong in the fiercest of winds and storms, however, are those that dig their roots deep and grow slowly. Impatience often spells disaster.

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. (Psalm 1:3)

Sometimes your best investments are the ones you don’t make. (Donald Trump, successful businessman and the 45^th present of the United States)

Today is Presidents’ Day in the United States. It was just one month ago today that our current president was inaugurated. We prayerfully support him and recognize the value of what he said above. Whether it’s in the realm of politics or personal life, we need wisdom in knowing how to invest our time and resources.

Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:20-21)

Love without Truth isn’t reality—it’s sentimentality, and Truth without Love isn’t sustainable—it’s terminal. (Ann Voskamp, best-selling author)

Voskamp explains: “Real love truthfully sees the flaws and still really loves fully. Love isn’t blind—love is the only way of really seeing.” All too often romantically-inclined people may be blinded by emotion so they don’t really see clearly. True love (which always seeks the best for the loved one), recognizes flaws but lovingly works to help overcome them.

Be . . . patient, bearing with one another in love. . . . speaking the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:2, 15)

Having faith, beliefs, and convictions is a great thing, but your life is measured by the actions you take based upon them. (Nick Vujicic, inspirational speaker)

Another way of saying it: “Actions speak louder than words.” We’ve often heard people speak about what they believe and then see them acting in a contradictory manner. People of integrity, however, let their honest behavior substantiate their claims of faith. Vujicic, born without arms or legs, speaks and acts out his firm convictions of faith.

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. (James 2:18) As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. (James 2:26)

A life is not important except [for] the impact it has on other lives. (Jackie Robinson, late major league baseball star)

Sports fans will well remember that Robinson was the first to break the color barrier in professional sports. In spite of severe and hateful treatment, he maintained a quiet and non-threatening behavior. As a result, his life certainly impacted countless others—not only athletes of color but ordinary citizens who saw a life lived graciously.

We urge you, brothers and sisters . . . to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life. (1 Thessalonians 4:10-11) The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. (Ecclesiastes 9:17)

Happiness is not having what you want but wanting only what you have. (H. Schachtel, 20th century rabbi)

“Happiness” is sometimes replaced in this quotation with “Contentment” or “Prosperity.” Whichever word you choose, the teaching is clear. Rather than always wishing for something different or something more, we must learn to live with what we have and make good use of it. It’s a lesson we need to be reminded of often.

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances . . . I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:11-12)