GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: August 25, 2023

Happiness or Joy?

I find joy in everyday life, not because life is good, but because God is. (Source unknown)

Life, with its ups and downs, becomes difficult for all of us at times. We seem really happy and grateful when “things” are going well, but we can quickly become sad and depressed when difficulty crosses our path. Happiness depends on happenstances—occasional circumstances that are pleasant. Joy, on the other hand, is the result of a right relationship with the giver of joy.

God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him (Ecclesiastes 2:26). Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)

Stop & Think: August 24, 2023

Habits or Rituals?

The things we do . . .  every day, often arrive without intent. Before we realize it, they have become habits. (Paraphrase of Seth Godin, author and business executive)

We often think of rituals as religious practices that we do habitually because they are part of a liturgy we’ve learned to follow. But we practice certain behaviors on such a regular basis that they appear to be rituals, also. Godin suggests that if we really give intent or purpose to our habits we can, as he says, “rewire our attitudes.” Let’s make our rituals/habits meaningful.

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: August 23, 2023

Pride

Human pride refuses to face the truth. (William Wilberforce, 18th – 19th century British statesman)

Pride is an evasive human trait. It hides behind a lot of mental activity that judges others on the basis of one’s personal opinions. We rarely stop to think that doing so suggests that we’re sure our views are superior to others’. Isn’t that pride? We overlook it because we think that our education or experience gives us a better perspective. Beware of the potential results!

Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor. (Proverbs 29:23)

Stop & Think: August 22, 2023

Values

Those who teach by their doctrine must teach by their life or else they pull down with one hand what they build up with the other. (Matthew Henry, 17th – 18th century preacher and writer)

It’s a lesson we all need to keep in mind. What we do often speaks louder than what we say. Our influence has little, if any, benefit when we are observed living in ways contrary to what we claim are our values. We don’t like the term hypocrite, but that is how Jesus described religious leaders of his day who ignored the intent of the law they proclaimed. Be true to your values!

Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions (Matthew 7:20)

Stop & Think: August 21, 2023

Real Success

A common mistake among those who work in sports is spending a disproportionate amount of time with x’s and o’s as compared to time spent with people. (Mike Krzyzewski, noted college basketball coach)

“Coach K” led his Duke University team to five national titles. He has coached more winning games than any other coach. When you think of him, you think of his ability to develop skillful players, but don’t overlook his success in developing value-driven leadership. What a challenge to recognize that he was more interested in his players as leaders than in their success as athletes.

I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge (Psalm 119:66).

Stop & Think: August 20, 2023

Your Heart and Soul

To strengthen the muscles of your heart the best exercise is to lift someone else’s spirit whenever you can. (Dodinsky, author of In the Garden of Truth)

There is a great deal of emphasis on physical fitness today. A-fib seems to be growing in concern; many are fighting this and other heart diseases. Physical exercise of the heart muscle is important, of course, but Dodinsky is thinking of the heart as the real you, your soul. It’s from the heart that we are motivated to serve others. Doing so strengthens both them and us.

So, encourage each other and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Stop & Think: August 19, 2023

Anxiety

Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future but from trying to control it. (Khalil Gibran, 19th – 20th century Lebanese American writer)

Anxiety is widespread among people of all ages and nationalities. A lot of it has to do with concerns about the future—the 2024 elections, for example. In spite of Gibran’s observation, there is genuine concern about the future in general. His point has merit, too, no doubt. So, rather than worry about the elections, perhaps we should volunteer and help control the outcome.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done (Philippians 4:6).

Stop & Think: August 18, 2023

Carpe Diem

There are two moments in life, the one you miss and the one you seize. (From TV movie script)

It’s always easy to look back and see the opportunities we didn’t take, the good ideas that we thought just wouldn’t work, or the good deed we didn’t do. We often hear the Latin challenge, “carpe diem” or seize the day. But do we actually begin the project then or wait for what seems to be a better time? Don’t miss another opportunity to seize the day!

Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days . . . (Ephesians 5:16). Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone (Galatians 6:10).

Stop & Think: August 17, 2023

Home

There’s no place like home. Ask any prodigal who has come back. (From a sermon)

Remember that line from The Wizard of Oz? We all feel that tug for home when we’re away. We’ve seen the heart-warming reunions of service men and women when they are reunited with their families after a long deployment away. But returning home is even more poignant for a child who is restored to family after an unhealthy experience away from home.

“We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.” So, the party began. (Luke 15:23-24)

Stop & Think: August 16, 2023

Falling

A father is someone who wants to catch you before you fall . . .  (Kenneth J. Brown, insurance broker)

That, indeed, is the first reaction of a loving father, isn’t it? Brown continues with an even more important characteristic of a wise father: “. . . but instead picks you up, brushes you off, and lets you try again.” It’s from the falls and missteps of young life that children learn the importance of getting up and trying again. That’s the great blessing a loving father gives his children.

For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. (Proverbs 3:12).

Stop & Think: August 15, 2023

Discipline

The temptation to take the easy road is always there. Jocko Willink, (retired US Navy Seal)

Even the tough Navy seals were likely at times to give in to the temptation to take an easier path. That’s the experience for anyone who faces difficult times or tasks. There always seems to be an easier way to get what we’re after. Willink continues, “. . . But discipline is paramount to ultimate success and victory . . .” Don’t give in or give up; stick with the incentive to win.

Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment . . . whoever learns from correction is wise (Proverbs 23:23; 15:5).

Stop & Think: August 14, 2023

Priorities

When your priorities are confused, don’t be surprised if you are, too! (Author uncertain)

We all have a standard of values and priorities, and we live by them, often unconsciously. When we forget or confuse them, we may find ourselves way off track, wondering how we got there. It’s good practice to routinely reconsider—maybe even reorder—your priorities so you are always living up to the purposes you have established for your life.

Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts (1 Thessalonians 2:4).