Daily Stop & Thinks

Not knowing how or what could fill the deep longing of our soul is a gnawing ache. (Lysa Terkeurst, Devotional writer)

“Empty is a heavy load to bear,” Terkeurst writes. She says that such “a search can seem both futile and shattering at times.” So many people appear to be looking for something to soothe the ache in their heart—or the emptiness they feel within. Other writers remind us that such longings are an indication that we were created for more than an unsatisfying physical life.

Let them no longer fool themselves by trusting in empty riches, for emptiness will be their only reward. (Job 15:31) For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. (1 Peter 1:18)

Do for someone what you wish you could do for everyone. (Andy Stanley, pastor & TV preacher)

We live in a troubled world, and whether it’s somewhere across the oceans or in our own neighborhood, we see many people with great needs. We wish we had unlimited resources so we could help them all. But we don’t, so we can’t. However, we can and should do something to help, even if it’s only one person in our own little world.

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you! (Proverbs 3:27; 19:17)

At Christmas, all roads lead home (Marjorie Holmes, late columnist and author)

It’s just one week till Christmas, and many folks are planning their trips “back home” to join their families. Christmas stirs many memories, and we often long to bring back those good ol’ days. But, it isn’t families or memories, as pleasant as they are, but the coming of Jesus that is central to Christmas joy.

For God … made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)

The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you. (John H. Southard)

Getting even seems to be an innate reaction when we’ve been mistreated or hurt in some way. Of course, we don’t try to just get even; most often we want to get back at the offender with a greater hurt or pain. How much better life would be—and our spirit helped—if we would try to help those who have helped us and try to forget our personal hurts.

Do not take revenge . . . for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. . . Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19-21)

The unexamined life is not worth living. (Socrates, 4^th century B.C. Greek philosopher)

We often hear a lot about accountability, but we don’t see much of it. Is it because so many people seem to be living their lives with their own agenda and no fear of reprisal? It’s part of Americans’ DNA to have an independent nature. But, as Socrates suggested a long time ago, if we’re not accountable for our actions, our lives may count for little.

People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. (Proverbs 21:2)

Hope: a wish or desire supported by some confidence of its fulfillment. (American Heritage Dictionary)

“I hope so” is often what we say when there’s something we really want to happen. It might be just a wish, or it could be something we have our heart set on. Either way, we can’t be sure we’ll get what we want. The dictionary’s definition, however, is far more reassuring. It sounds a lot like biblical faith. Confidence in what we’re hoping for makes waiting easier.

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1)

Embrace the current season of your life. (Gabrielle Blair, designer and author)

Some people long for another time or circumstance that they think would help them to be happy and more productive. Looking forward to another season rather than working hard in your current status is to squander time and opportunity. Yearning for the future while ignoring the present almost guarantees current failure and dismal prospects for tomorrow.

So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (Matthew 6:34)

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand it’s at the end of your arm. (Audrey Hepburn, late British actress)

An attitude of entitlement seems to be a growing trait today. We think the world owes us something. Some folks always seem to be looking for a “free lunch.” Hepburn, however, encourages an attitude of self-help. Of course, we want to help those who truly need assistance, but maybe that should not be in a hand out but a hand up.

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. (Proverbs 3:27)

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. (Theodore Roosevelt, 26^th U.S. president)

Some of us are dreamers, wishing we could accomplish some great feat but thinking we are limited by our lack of special ability, the environment, or the lack of resources. Roosevelt, himself a soldier and intrepid explorer, would undoubtedly rebuke us for our lack of initiative. We need to look at what we have, our opportunities, and push forward aggressively.

[We pray], asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God. (paraphrase of Colossians 4:12)

When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things—not the great occasions—give off the greatest glow of happiness. (Bob Hope, late American comedian)

It’s just two weeks till Christmas. As we plan and prepare for the holidays, we can’t help but look back to our experiences of past Christmases. As Hope implies, those memories often reflect on the simple things—not the extravagances but the pure joys of family times, the quietness of reflection, and the worship of the one whose birth we celebrate every day.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:17)

Babies may be born with an inherent personality, but character must be developed! (Jim Hines, pediatrician and gubernatorial candidate)

Babies are so cute and lovable; it’s hard to think of them ever growing up to be less than perfect. But, the truth becomes evident as selfishness and temper are demonstrated all too soon. That’s why good parenting is so critical. From the very earliest age, right and wrong should be taught by the example of our own words and actions.

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. (Proverbs 22:6)

Have the courage to act instead of react. (Oliver Wendell Holmes, 19^th-20^th century jurist)

Quick reflexes are valuable when you are faced with an unexpected and, perhaps, dangerous situation. We may delay reacting to other less perilous circumstances in our lives for a variety of reasons: the pressure of time, the fear of making hasty decisions, or other priorities. It would be much better most of the time, as Holmes suggests, to act rather than delay.

The virtuous think before they act. (Proverbs 21:29) Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. (Ephesians 5:17)