Daily Stop & Thinks

The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it. (W. M. Lewis, teacher and university president)

This oft-quoted maxim should awaken us to the fact that life is often short. The sooner we take it seriously, the more productive we will be. In modern society it seems that men and women are changing careers every few years. While that may be necessary and useful at times, we should give careful thought early in life about how best to live it.

For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. (Proverbs 9:11)

There is nothing wrong with being unable to learn, but there is a problem with being unwilling to learn. (Bruce Triplehorn, teacher in Brazil and Chad)

Triplehorn’s comment was in response to a quote from American author Brian Herbert who wrote: “The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.” Triplehorn also noted the example of older men who had accomplished much in their careers but remained humble and continued to learn.

Let the wise listen and add to their learning. … Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. Proverbs 1:5; 9:9)

A post-truth society is one in which truth takes a back seat to emotion—where feelings effectively replace facts. (John Stonestreet, president of Colson Center for Christian Worldview)

“Post-truth” was touted as the word of the year for 2016. As Stonestreet says, much of Western society has forsaken the foundational value of truth. He noted, “Feelings effectively replace facts.” This is a dangerous philosophy to live by. We cannot ignore facts (truth) because we don’t like them. Search for truth and live by it.

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32)

For fast acting relief, try slowing down. (Lily Tomlin, comedienne)

We’ve seen the commercials for some kind of over-the-counter remedy for heartburn or headache, and when you’re hurting, you do want fast relief. Tomlin, however, has hit upon a remedy that would probably help most of us in this fast-paced society we live in. It’s hard to slow down when there is so much to do, but a slower pace would certainly bring relief.

Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. (Psalm 143:1)

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you sow. (Robert Louis Stevenson, 19th century Scottish poet, novelist, and essayist)

This is good advice at the beginning of a new year. What we hope to see at the end of 2017 will depend largely on what we do at its beginning and consistently throughout the year. We most likely won’t see a daily harvest, but we must continually sow good seeds of thoughts and actions that will produce good fruit in productive living.

From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward. (Proverbs 12:14)

Today is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one. (Brad Paisley, singer, songwriter)

The past is gone; the future is here. What will you write on the pages of this New Year? Whether or not you have made New Year’s resolutions, you surely have hopes and dreams—maybe even plans for 2017. Dream big, plan well, work hard, and ask God for guidance and wisdom to see you through the next 12 months.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

One thing with gazing too frequently into the past is that we may turn around to find the future has run out on us. (Michael Cibenco, English teacher)

The year is rapidly coming to an end, and many will be taking inventory of 2016 to find the highlights to celebrate and the low points to forget. Cibenco warns us not to spend too much time looking at the past 12 months or we may find in just a couple of days that the past is all gone. We have a future to invest in so determine to make it a great year.

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you (Proverbs 4:25).

The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team. (Phil Jackson, professional basketball executive)

Jackson’s comments may seem contradictory, but they are like the proverbial “two sides of the coin.” He had great success as a coach, so his words are worth considering. No one should ever think he can win the game alone; he needs his teammates. On the other hand, he must recognize that his contribution to the team is essential.

Two are better than one . . . If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

No man can be called friendless who has God and the companionship of good books. (Elizabeth Barrett Browning, 19th century English poet)

Today we might add Kindles, iPads, or other devices that we use to read. Surely, the reading of good books is a worthy practice; it enlightens, encourages, and often inspires us. But there’s more in life than just reading that can give purpose and value—and that is a personal relationship with a God who wants such a bond with us.

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend [God] who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

So, remember while December brings the only Christmas day in the year, let there be Christmas In the things you do and say. (Anonymous)

This is a good reminder to all of us who celebrated Christmas yesterday. God’s gift was not a miraculous event to be observed just one day in the year. If we have truly understood the purpose and significance of Jesus’ birth, subsequent life, death, and resurrection, we will want to reflect its joy, peace, and salvation in our conduct today and every day.

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests (Luke 2:14).