Daily Stop & Thinks

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).

Flexible people never get bent out of shape. (Anonymous)

When we’re unbending in our opinions, it can really hurt to be questioned or doubted. But, Tony Robbins (an American life coach) wrote, “Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach. It’s a good lesson to learn. Be sure you know what you believe and stick to it, but don’t let your rigid approach to truth, curtail meaningful dialogue for learning.

Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions (Proverbs 18:2). Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you (1 Corinthians 15:58).

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. (Mahatma Gandhi, 19^th-20^th century leader of independence in India)

Some people seem to think that if you are a forgiving person, you don’t have much strength of character; you give in too easily, overlooking the fault that was done to you. Gandhi, however, experienced all kinds of opposition and antagonism, but he maintained a forgiving spirit, not out of weakness but from the strength of his convictions and inner courage.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13).

Listen more than you talk. Learn more than you teach. Serve more than you are served. (Mitch Kruse, car collector, author, and speaker)

That’s pretty much Kruse’s definition of humility. All three characteristics are just the opposite of the inclination of many people. We really do like to talk, often not listening well to the other end of the conversation. We’d rather teach than listen to someone else instruct us. And we do like to have others serve us. If this is true of you, it will require great effort to gain real humility.

Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what [God] commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility (Zephaniah 2:3).