Daily Stop & Thinks

A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties. (Harry S. Truman, 33^rd president of the United States)

It is universal. Everyone faces difficulties in life—from early childhood to the end of earthly life. It’s often how we handle those trials that determine our success or failure. Do we see them as irresolvable, something we can’t ever overcome? Or do we see them as occasions for growth and achievement? Don’t look for disasters, but do look for opportunities.

(God said): “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (The Apostle Paul): “That is why . . . I delight in weaknesses . . . in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12: 8, 10).

You can’t trust what you can’t test. (Bart Blair, pastor in Canada)

How many of us have made the mistake of putting our trust in something or someone and finding it or them untrustworthy. Trust or faith is only as good as the object of that trust. It would be wise to search for evidence of worthiness before committing to the unfamiliar. Blair says further, “Trust is built in very small Increments over a long period of time.”

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. . . . Whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe (Proverbs 3:5; 29:25).

Thanks a lot for contributing to my reputation in town as “that idiot who laughs while jogging.” (Oliver Edwards, a runner)

How often do you see a runner smiling, much less laughing, while he or she is doing their daily workouts? Some of us don’t run (or exercise) because it isn’t fun and may include some aches and pains. But the benefits of regular exercise are most often far greater than the occasional ache (or ridicule as in Edwards’ case). Spiritual exercise is even more beneficial.

Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come (1 Timothy 4:8).

The basic purpose of prayer is not to bend God’s will to mine, but to mold my will into His. (Tim Keller, preacher and author)

Millions of people pray, and most often they are asking God for something they need or want. Not all those prayers are answered in the way the petitioner wanted. But those who pray with some understanding of the biblical principles of prayer will discover that God’s plan is better than theirs. When they conform to his purposes, they can find peace in the better answer.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6) Devote yourselves to prayer (Colossians 4:2).

Feelings make excellent servants, but terrible masters. (Dallas Willard, educator and author)

In a day when there seems to be no objective truth, many people let their feelings be the determinative factor in their choices. If it feels good, then it must be right, they think. If someone feels differently about the issue—well, then we have a problem. Whose feelings are more important? It is extremely important that we discover what is really true and right.

Jesus: “Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth” (John 17:17).

Never take down a fence until you know why it was put up. (Warren Wiersbe, author)

“Don’t fence me in” are the repeated words of an old cowboy song. Some people don’t like to be fenced in, to have boundaries or limits imposed by others. However, before we rebel against those fences, it would be wise to discover why they have been placed where they are. The rules we chafe at may have good reason to be there to protect us from harm and danger.

Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors (Proverbs 22:28).

A negative mind will never give you a positive life. (Author unknown)

Have you noticed that some people always walk with their head down, looking at the sidewalk rather than their surroundings? Don’t you think they’re missing a lot? That’s kinda like having a negative attitude—not just thinking everything’s a downer, but, more importantly, missing out on the good and positive things in life. We can’t ignore the bad, but let’s emphasize the good.

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

When you say no to what’s right, you lose the opportunity you would have had to learn something of value by doing the right thing. (paraphrase of Mike Lee, pastor)

There are times when we face the choice of doing what is right or something we know would be wrong. The latter choice may offer the prospect of gain or notoriety, but it would cost our personal integrity and maybe our reputation. Besides, not only is it always right to do right, but failure to do so may forfeit the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience.

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right (James 2:8).

I have a lot of excitement in my life. I used to call it tension, but I feel much better now that I call it excitement. (Madeleine Costigan, event coordinator and business counselor)

Most of us avoid tension as much as possible. We don’t like to be torn between two or more options when neither is preferable. Yet, as Costigan suggests, if we look at the tension as an exciting opportunity, perhaps we will find it easier to bear. Conflict, trials, and testings can cause us to think and plan carefully, making choices that may open up exciting prospects.

You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:3-4).

All human beings are alike in seeking happiness. Where they differ is in the objects from which they seek it. (Os Guinness, English author and social critic)

“The pursuit of happiness” is one of the rights expressed in the Declaration of Independence, and, no doubt, everyone wants to be happy. But where is happiness to be found? We look for it in entertainment, amusements, sports, games, and relationships, to name a few looked-after sources. Perhaps it would be helpful to look for true happiness or joy from our Creator.

To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness (Ecclesiastes 2:16). Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).

Never do something for someone that they can do for themselves. (Bob Lupton, author of Toxic Charity)

That statement has been called “The Golden Rule of Community Development.” In our time some unfortunate people have come to depend on the help of government programs or non-profit charitable organizations. That help is of great value, of course, but of greater and longer-lasting value is helping people learn to become independent and provide for themselves.

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up (Romans 15:2).

It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are. (Roy Disney, late American businessman)

All of us are confronted repeatedly with the need to make decisions: what to wear, where to eat, when to schedule an appointment. But, of course there are far more important choices that we have to make from time to time. How do we make them? Disney’s suggestion is very helpful. Consider your life principles, your primary values. Choose in light of them.

I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received (Ephesians 4:1).