GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

July 19, 2016

Character, like muscle, must be developed. The real test for character is not creed or conduct . . . [but] a man’s motives. (Halverson, late United States Senate chaplain)

For a fitness buff, the proof of his strength is not in his exercises and workouts; it is demonstrated in the post-exercise experiences of life. As Halverson says, it’s the same for character. Life experiences and our responses to them demonstrate how strong our character has become. Those tests show why we’ve developed integrity, and it’s not just for show.

[When] the Lord comes [,] He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart (1 Corinthians 4:5).

July 18, 2016

Your work is an excellent commentary, for as you are, so you labor. (George Washington, first president of the United States)

We hear a lot from political candidates about what they will do if elected. In job interviews, applicants are often asked what they would do in certain situation. A better question would ask what they have done in such situations” It’s not what you think you would do that shows your effectiveness; it’s how you have worked and what you have accomplished.

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. . . . One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. (Proverbs 14:23; 18:9)

July 17, 2016

Nobody is bored when he is trying to make something that is beautiful, or to discover something that is true. (William Inge, 20th century American playwright and novelist)

Sometimes life seems so boring. Whether it’s the routines of our job, the repetition of exercises, or just the monotony of daily chores—boredom can overtake us at times. But, as Inge suggests, when we’re involved in being creative or searching for new discoveries, we can become energized and excited. Step out of the routine and beginning searching.

So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things . . . “Look,” says the Teacher, “this is what I have discovered: Adding one thing to another to discover the scheme of things” (Ecclesiastes 7:25, 27-28).

July 16, 2016

Perseverance [is the] secret of all triumphs. (Victor Hugo, 19th century French poet and novelist)

Some people are good starters and poor finishers. Others procrastinate, but when they once get going, they finish well. Whichever you are, Hugo’s statement is an important reminder. Sticking with it, hanging on to the end—whatever the cliché, it’s helpful to be encouraged to work hard to the completion of the task. Only then, can you achieve real success.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1). Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:4).

July 15, 2016

Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of joy, you must have somebody to share it with. (Mark Twain, 19th century American humorist)

We might not agree that “Grief can take care of itself,” because most of us have benefitted from warm companionships in times of sorrow. But, Twain is right about joy. We are happy when good things happen to us, but to have the fullness of rejoicing, it’s so much better when we share it. It’s good for us, of course, but it’s good for those we share with, too.

Rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15).

July 14, 2016

If we work upon immortal minds and imbue them with principles, with the just fear of God and the love of our fellow men, we engrave on those tables something that will brighten to all eternity. (Daniel Webster, 19th century American statesman)

Webster began this statement with the following, “If we work on marble, it will perish; if on brass, time will efface it; if we rear up temples, they will crumble into dust…” Then, he stated the quote above. What lasts is not what is sculpted, engraved, or constructed—those things are all temporal. What lasts are the principles which live on in men’s eternal souls.

Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right (Proverbs 16:13). [An overseer] must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine (Titus 1:9).

July 13, 2016

Scatter seeds of kindness everywhere you go . . . You will find more happiness than you have ever known. (Amy R Raabe)

Raabe continues: “Scatter bits of courtesy, watch them grow and grow. Gather buds of friendship; keep them till full-blown.” In a world of confusion and depression, this is good advice. Our own unhappiness or disappointment will not be an encouragement to anyone else, but if we scatter the right kinds of seeds, we will be able to give a boost to many.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up . . . encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone (1 Thessalonians 5:11; 14).

July 12, 2016

Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right use of strength. (Henry Ward Beecher, 19th century American social reformer)

Fitness seems to be one of the highest goals for modern man. Exercise equipment and strengthening programs are advertised continually, promising not only fitness but better looking bodies and social approval. The real value in strength, however, is how you use it. The greater our physical ability, the greater our responsibility to serve others.

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves (Romans 15:1).

July 11, 2016

God created your face. You create your expression. (Church sign board)

No matter how much we may dislike what we see in the mirror, there isn’t a whole lot we can do about the way we look. Cosmetics can do only so much, and surgery is often not a viable option. The church sign board is right, however. We can determine our facial expressions and can likely have a very beneficial effect on those we meet.

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. . . . A happy heart makes the face cheerful (Proverbs 15:13; 27:19).

July 10, 2016

You will break the bow if you keep it always bent. (Greek motto)

Stress can be both helpful and harmful. When we put stress on our muscles (as in exercise), we strengthen them, but if we don’t relax them, they will cramp or do injury to us. When we face stress in life situations, we gather our forces and work hard to complete the task and overcome the tension. Then it’s time to relax and restore our energies.

 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy (Psalm 94:19). Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

July 9, 2016

Don’t count the days; make the days count. (Muhammad Ali, late heavyweight boxing champion)

Whether it’s counting the days until vacation, the last day of school, or the beginning of retirement, it really is a waste of time. Even counting the days of your illness, recovery from an accident, or a family struggle, again, counting doesn’t help much. We would do much better, as Ali suggests, to make whatever days we have left days of worth and achievement.

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12). As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered (James 5:11).

July 8, 2016

May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears. (Nelson Mandela, late South African anti-apartheid revolutionary)

Too often we make decisions because of what we’re afraid might happen. The unknown sometimes stymies us so greatly that we can’t even choose what to do next. As Mandela implies, that’s a very poor way to make choices. You can’t lead well if you look at life with such negative foresight. Rather, what is your vision, your hope for the future? Choose that.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him (Romans 15:13).