GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: July 8, 2024

Learning 2

Where there is much desire to learn, there of necessity will be much arguing, much writing, many opinions; . . . (Milton,17th century English poet)

Milton explains more about how learning takes place: “. . . for opinion in good men is but knowledge in the making.“ In a day when political and social division seem to exclude the peaceful sharing of ideas, we may very well be limiting our growth in knowledge, much to society’s great loss.

Let us learn together what is good. (Job 34:4)
Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more. (Proverbs 9:9)

Stop & Think: July 7, 2024

Learning

When we stop learning, we stop growing. (Jesse Deloe, writer)

Sophocles, ancient Greek tragedian,  put it this way: “A man, though wise, should never be ashamed of learning more.” If you come to the place where you think you’ve learned all you can on a particular subject, you will likely find it difficult to hear someone who has a new thought about it. Hear him out! Open your mind to more learning and growth.

Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge. (Proverbs 18:15)

Stop & Think: July 6, 2024

Friends

My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me. Henry Ford (early auto manufacturer)

Some friends are really exciting to be with, enjoying sports, entertainment, or just having fun. But hanging around people who cater to your every whim and participate in questionable activities will very likely not improve your character. The best kind of friend is the one who challenges you to be and do your very best, always spurring you on to better things.

An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship. . . .  Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. (Proverbs 24:6; 27:6)

Stop & Think: July 5, 2024

Reason

It is the mind that is designed to rule the flesh; reason should guide our passions. (Michael Craven, Colson Fellows director)

Craven seems to be stating the same truth in different terms, relating “mind” to “reason” and “flesh” to “passions.” Many today seem to be living with the premise that “if it feels so good, it must be right.” We would do much better if we were to act on the basis of truth determined by a reasoning mind.

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Romans 8:5-6)

Stop & Think: July 4, 2024

Independence Day

May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right. (Peter Marshall, late US senate chaplain)

This is an idea that seems rather contradictory to modern thought. Americans value their freedom, and some, unfortunately, believe it is their right to do whatever they please if it doesn’t directly harm someone else. This greater understanding of liberty enables us to do so much more of value when it is exercised with others in the pursuit of justice and rights for all.

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. (Galatians 5:13)

Stop & Think: July 3, 2024

Next Steps

Life is not a package let down from heaven on a string, but a scroll that is unrolled day by day as we walk through life. (Allistair Begg, pastor and author)

In life’s daily routine, we might wonder, “What is ahead for me? What should I be doing?” Begg’s comment is really helpful because it relieves us of the pressure to know what’s ahead. As the daily “scroll” of our life unfolds, we find the way step by step, and that should be enough to keep us on tract as we walk into the unknown, carefully following the “still small voice” of God.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. (John 16:13)

Stop & Think: July 2, 2024

Work & Talent

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. (Tim Tebow, Heisman trophy winner)

Tebow was an unusually gifted athlete. He recognized early on, however, that talent alone was not enough. His statement became his mantra, and he pursued his career with great physical effort and determination. Success in any endeavor demands relentless hard work, regardless of our talent level.

Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards…. Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. (Proverbs 12:14, 24)

Stop & Think: July 1, 2024

Behavior

Behavior stems from what we think—our attitudes, beliefs, values, and opinions. (Barna Group, research organization)

Our education, environment, and associations will affect our actions. But as Barna suggests those are only elements that contribute to a person’s mindset. To some degree, they do influence our conduct. So, it’s critical that we train our children to adopt true values and learn how to think before they act–lessons that are essential for proper behavior at every age-level.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. (Romans 12:2)

Stop & Think: June 30, 2024

Excellence 2

Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence. (Vince Lombardi, late professional football coach)

It’s rare that anyone achieves perfection in any endeavor. Nadia Comaneci was awarded a perfect score of 10 in Olympics gymnastics in 1976. Others have tried hard to reach such a standard and come close, but “no cigar,” as they say. Lombardi, however, emphasizes the value of that hard work. We should all work hard to be excellent in every facet of life.

Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge. (2 Peter 1:5)

Stop & Think: June 29, 2024

Excellence

Excellence . . . is not an act but a habit. (Kary Oberbrunner, motivational author and speaker)

Oberbrunner explains it this way: “We are what we repeatedly do.” As someone else has said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” That means we should never settle for the mediocre but continually strive for excellence. The more we do that, the more likely our work will be seen as consistently excellent.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8)

Stop & Think: June 28, 2024

Speaking Truth

Never worry about who will be offended if you speak the truth. Worry about who will be misled, deceived and destroyed if you don’t. (Anthony Akubue, university professor)

Whether it’s the fear of embarrassment or a dislike for confrontation, we sometimes fail to speak out in defense of what we believe is right and true. Intimidation may cause us to miss an opportunity for teaching and correction. Akubue’s comment is an encouragement for us to always speak out in the defense of truth and to encourage others to consider it carefully.

[True worshipers] lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. (Psalm 15:1-2)
We will speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15)

Stop & Think: June 27, 2024

Friends

Friends are God’s way of apologizing to us for our families. (Tennessee Williams, late American playwright)

That’s a rather uncomfortable comment, isn’t it? Families are intended to be the foundation of a wholesome community and prosperous nation. However, because of personal failure, some families are dysfunctional, and both parents and children suffer. That’s when God-given friends can become the family we so desperately need.

A friend is always loyal, . . .  The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. (Proverbs 17:17; 27:9)