GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: March 17, 2024

Choice

The crown of life is the exercise of choice. (Thornton Wilder, 20th century American novelist)

What a privilege Americans have! The United States is one of those unique nations where the people can actually choose their spouse, their school, their job, and much more. They even have the right to choose their leaders. In an election year, that’s a privilege that should not be ignored. Give careful thought to your choices; you have to live with the consequences.

Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. (Titus 3:1)

Stop & Think: March 16, 2024

Life

“Life is like an ice cream cone…you have to learn to lick it.” (Charlie Brown, cartoon character in Peanuts)

Sometimes it does seem that life is a battle, and you have to work hard to overcome its many difficulties. Developing the maturity and wisdom to use what we’ve learned through instruction, loving guidance, and from the example of worthy teachers will help us do more than “licking life.” It will enable us to actually enjoy it.

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. (Proverbs 19:20)

Stop & Think: March 15, 2024

The Ides of March

“Not that I loved Caesar less but that I loved Rome more.” (Brutus in Julius Caesar)

The expression, “The Ides of March” has come to represent an evil day of betrayal. It was on this date in Shakespeare’s noted play that Brutus stabbed Caesar, and the emperor’s reply expresses his dismay at the treachery of a friend. But the killer cites a higher loyalty. We are all challenged to consider our loyalties and how to regard them without resorting to another evil.

Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable? (Proverbs 20:6)
Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

Stop & Think: March 14, 2024

Impossible?

When they say it can’t be done, they only mean, we don’t know how to do it.  (Kenneth J. Brown, author)

We’ve often heard those words from someone who has tried and failed. But many inventors have proved that the “impossible” can be done. The persistent worker will toil long and hard until he or she finds how it can be done. We are the beneficiaries of just such determination. When life is difficult, don’t give up. Ask for help, and keep working at it.

Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27)

Stop & Think: March 13, 2024

Hopefulness

Hope is the melody of the future. Faith is dancing to that melody right now. (Jim Cress, Counselor)

Hope is an elusive concept which can be powerful, but only when acted upon. If you cling to hope but never act on it, you won’t know the joy of seeing your hope come true. Faith, on the other hand, is an action.  It demands that I do something.  The hope of Christians is positive because it is based on faith in God’s word. So, why shouldn’t we be dancing ?

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. (Hebrews 10:23)

Stop & Think: March 12, 2024

Life’s Extras

What shortsighted people we are when we live as though all our “extras” are intended for us only. (A former pastor)

While many people live from paycheck to paycheck, others seem to have a ready resource for the “extra” things that they enjoy. We should realize, however, that what we have is intended not only for us but for the benefit of others. And those who are generous with what God has given them, find great joy in sharing. When that happens, everyone benefits.

And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. (Hebrews 13:16)

Stop & Think: March 11, 2024

Quiet

Walking and talking are two very great pleasures, but it is a mistake to combine them. (C.S. Lewis, British Christian apologist)

We may not agree with Lewis’ thought, but hear him out. He continues, “Our own noise blots out the sounds and silences of the outdoor world.” Lewis writes often about his walks, and they are sometimes with close friends when, you can be sure, there was lively conversation. At other times, whether with friends or alone, he marveled at what he could learn from God’s creation.

Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile” (Mark 6:31). I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness. (Psalm 55:7)

Stop & Think: March 10, 2024

Character 2

Your character is more important than how good you are at any sport. (Tom Roy, former coach, sportswriter)

Many of today’s youth strive to excel in some sport ~ and why not? College athletes are now able to earn money from their sports activity, and they are often groomed for moving up to lucrative contracts as pros. Coach Roy notes, “Your athleticism is only temporary, but your character, the type of person you are, lasts forever.” And he concludes, “Be the best person you can be.”

All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. (1 Corinthians 9:2, 5)

Stop & Think: March 9, 2024

Character

Men of genius are admired; men of wealth are envied; men of power are feared; but men of character are trusted. (Zig Ziglar, late motivational speaker)

Is Ziglar saying that geniuses, the wealthy, and the powerful are not to be trusted? Probably not  exactly, but he is undoubtedly warning that we should be careful not to be misled just because of the unique abilities or wealth of prominent individuals. In this election year, it’s a good reminder to consider what each candidate offers, not just in policy, but in integrity and character.

May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:11)

Stop & Think: March 8, 2024

Adversity

Out of the hottest fire comes the strongest steel.(Chinese Proverb)

We will all face difficulty and adversity sometime in life, and we will often question its purpose. This proverb has been repeated in many ways and places, and they are helpful. However it’s said, it describes the really tough situations in life that often confront us but result in our growth. Through them we develop strength, character, and integrity, traits that help us overcome.

We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. (2 Corinthians 6:4)
If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. (2 Timothy 2:12)

Stop & Think: March 7, 2024

Kindness

Kindness is thrown away upon the evil. (from Aesop’s Fables)

Really?  Remember that a fable is sometimes a legend or a story that may or may not be true. What would our world be like if we failed to be kind to those who are themselves unkind? Note in contrast what S. H. Simmons wrote, “Kindness is never wasted. If it has no effect on the recipient, at least it benefits the bestower.”

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! . . . Your kindness will reward you. (Proverbs 3:3; 11:17)

Stop & Think: March 6, 2024

Happiness

Happiness is not about getting all you want; it’s about enjoying what you have. (Parveen Kaswan, Indian Forest Service officer)

You would think that getting all you want is, indeed, the source of happiness. That’s what everyone seems to be doing: getting all they can even if it means putting much of it in a storage bin. If you find yourself constantly acquiring more, it’s clear that this principle isn’t helping you find lasting happiness. Take Kaswan’s conclusion to heart.

I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. (Philippians 4:11-12)