Daily Stop & Thinks

Culture is never so bad that it can’t be redeemed, nor so good that it can’t be critiqued. (Timothy Keller, popular preacher and writer)

We are often distressed by the degradation of modern society as reflected in coarse language, suggestive media productions, political intrigue, not to mention violence. A return to civility must begin with repentance and transformation of heart and soul. Even where a better level of integrity exists, there is room for introspection and improvement.

Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace (2 Corinthians 13:11). Live in harmony with one another. As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:16, 18).

A friend can tell you things you don’t want to tell yourself. (Frances Ward Weller, children’s books author)

No one likes to be criticized, but all of us need be corrected from time to time. Another writer says, “Truth tellers are tough to hear, but their insight makes you better.” Such experiences can be valuable learning times.” Surely, we all want to improve in character, attitude, and behavior, and helpful criticism so often it just what is needed.

A friend loves at all times. . . . Wounds from a friend can be trusted. (Proverbs 17:17; 27:6)

A bad attitude is worse than a bad swing. (Payne Stewart, late professional golfer)

Payne Stewart was known for his colorful outfits (including knickers), championship-caliber golfing, and a winsome spirit. To a professional or champion amateur athlete, form is everything. Each movement and action is practiced and planned to achieve the desired goal. It’s good to realize, however, that a fulfilling life depends more on attitude than skill.

Put off your old self . . .   be made new in the attitude of your minds . . . put on the new self, created to be like God (Ephesians 4:22-24).

The time is always right to do right. (Martin Luther King, Jr, late civil rights leader)

Timing is everything, they say, from giving the tag line to a good joke to adding the proper ingredient to a gourmet dish. Sometimes, however, we seem to hesitate to say a kind word or speak up for someone else, because the time doesn’t seem quite right to us. It would be really good to keep King’s comment in mind: it’s always the time to do right.

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. (James 4:17)

No soul is desolate as long as there is a human being for whom it can feel trust and reverence. (George Eliot, pen name for Mary Anne Evans, 19^th century English writer)

Occasionally, someone will say that he or she feels lonely even when they’re in the middle of a crowd. What a shame! With all those people around, certainly someone can be found whom they could befriend. It’s not just what someone can do for you, but what you can do for another person that can fill the emptiness.

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted (Psalm 25:16).

Men make counterfeit money; in many more cases, money makes counterfeit men. (Sydney J. Harris, 20^th century American journalist)

The lure of money and wealth is deceitful in their promise of security and happiness. They are counterfeits of what is really of true value. People who seek after them often lose their sense of worth. In pursuing prosperity, they achieve only temporary satisfaction and develop an insatiable appetite for more—never achieving happiness or contentment.

Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income (Ecclesiastes 5:10). For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10).

We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry. (Inspiration Newsline)

A lot is said about diversity today, so it would be good to remember what Inspiration Newsline said further: “We must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.” It takes understanding and tolerance to create a beautiful human tapestry.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Whatever you are by nature, keep to it; never desert your line of talent. Be what nature intended you for, and you will succeed. (Sydney Smith, 19^th century English writer)

This is good advice for people who constantly wish they were someone else. God created you with all you need to accomplish His purposes for you and to find fulfillment in realizing them. Success is not measured by individual exploits so much as by the totality of one’s achievements in keeping with his talents and abilities.

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed (Psalm 20:4).

Instead of counting your days, make your days count. (Anonymous)

It seems to be a universal practice to count the days until some future event or notable day will arrive. As a result, we often discount the value of the present day—what are today’s opportunities and what’s happening right now. Planning for the future is important, of course, but we must make every effort to use today for growth and benefit.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today” (Hebrews 3:13).

Ideas are mere illusions until they take on the form of a living and loving person. (Mark Hatfield, late United States senator)

Writer and speaker Earl Nightingale said, “Everything begins with an idea.” When someone says, “I have an idea,” that’s only the beginning of what might turn out to be a worthy thought. But, as Hatfield points out, even the best ideas are of little value until someone moves on it. It takes a person with vision and effort to pursue an idea to completion.

For I know your eagerness to help . . . and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action (2 Corinthians 9:2).

Ability isn’t as important as availability. (Often stated by many writers)

Ability, affability, and availability are referred to as the “three pillars of excellence.” If silled people are not available when we need them, then they are of little use. On the other hand, it is important that the available person have the needed abilities, of course. We should make ourselves available to use our God-given skills as they are needed.

The Apostle Paul writes of a former slave: “Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me (Philemon 1:11).

Even though you may want to move forward in your life, you may have one foot on the brakes. (Mary Manin Morrissey, motivational speaker and author)

Whatever the cause for not moving forward, Morrissey advises, “Release the hurt. Release the fear. Refuse to entertain your old pain.” She asks, “What is it you [should] let go of?” It’s clear that lack of forward progress is often simply the result of personal reluctance. Let go of what’s holding you back, and move on courageously.

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1).