Daily Stop & Thinks

[Poems] teach us what it means to be human. (Amy Julia Becker, writer, speaker)

Becker wrote, “Poetry is useless. Poetry is without use, but it is valuable. . . . Although [the words of a poem] may not provide or produce clothing or shelter or food, they nonetheless convey beauty and meaning, truth and transcendence.” What a wonderful blessing it is to have creative minds that provide comfort and often add beauty and challenge to life.

My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer (Psalm 45:1).

One who looks for a friend without faults will have none. (Hasidic saying)

There are at least two lessons to be learned from this saying. First, there are no “perfect” people, so it’s a waste of time to hope to find such friends. Second, since that is true, we’re not perfect ourselves, so who would want us to be their friend? True friends recognize one another’s faults but find companionship in helping each other become better people. 

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice (Proverbs 27:9).

Your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing. (Abraham Lincoln, 16^th president of the United States)

When you think of all the failures Lincoln experienced, you marvel at his persistence in keeping at it. He lost numerous elections, was considered an inadequate administrator and a second-rate orator. Yet, his achievements in becoming and serving as the U.S. president during the Civil War are a testimony to his perseverance and doggedness.

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:4).

This is the true joy in life—being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. (George Bernard Shaw, 19^th-20^th century Irish playwright

Sometimes others may think very highly of something we’ve done or achieved, even when we haven’t thought it was all that great. Real satisfaction comes from achieving some work or goal that we feel is of great significance—something we’ve worked hard to accomplish because of the personal value we placed on its achievement.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me (Philippians 3:14).

A human being’s moral integrity begins when he is prepared to sacrifice his life for his convictions. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German theologian and author)

As a prisoner in his own country during World War II, Bonheoffer’s faith was put to the test. Was his trust in God sufficient to enable him to endure the imprisonment and, ultimately, execution as a traitor to his country? Yes, for he also wrote, “Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God’s will.”

For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good (1 Peter 3:17; 4:19).

There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs. (Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker and author)

Elevators and escalators are welcome inventions for many reasons. Climbing stairs can be exhausting, but Ziglar’s observation is an important reminder to many of us 21^st century workers. We need to realize that hard work, like climbing stairs, is required to reach our higher, worthy goals.

Those who work their land will have abundant food. All hard work brings a profit (Proverbs 12:11; 14:23).

To obey is to be at peace. (Kip Cone, minister)

We might take our pet dog to obedience school. It’s our hope to make it easier to manage the dog. As a result, we’ll have more peace than if we have to live with a troublesome pet. How much more important for human beings to learn obedience! As Cone says, “Struggles will be manageable if we cultivate a life of obedience.”

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him (Psalm 128:1). In fact, this is love for God: to keep (obey) his commands. And his commands are not burdensome (1 John 5:3).

People do not lack strength; they lack will. (Victor Hugo, 19^th century poet and novelist)

It’s often asked, “Why doesn’t somebody do something about it?” Is it because no one else has seen the need? There are probably many capable people who could solve the problem or, at least, initiate activity toward a solution. Or, as Hugo suggests, is it because they don’t have sufficient motivation? If so, we must develop the resolve to act.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans (Proverbs 16:3).

Followers are so important that the role of leaders is to serve them. (James Emery White, church leader)

White adds, “No one can be an effective leader until they first learn how to follow.” Some people want to be leaders right away. They might take courses on leadership, but they’re reluctant to spend time following other leaders. Yet, as White suggests, learning to be a good follower is essential in developing leadership skills.

The Apostle Paul: “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do” (Philippians 3:17).

Your family is an eternal investment. Its price is indefinable. (Mike Lee, pastor)

Studies indicate that families are undergoing unprecedented stress, which affects the entire household. As a result, everyone suffers. Often there are overwhelming pressures at work, overloaded schedules, or physical ills, which all contribute to weaken the family. As Lee suggests, we must give attention to our families, our greatest earthly responsibility.

Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever (1 Timothy 5:8).

Curiosity is one of the permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous mind. (Samuel Johnson, 18^th century English writer)

We’ve heard it said that “Curiosity kills the cat.” While it may be true that an over eager nosiness can be dangerous, we should note that curiosity feeds growth and growth feeds curiosity (a paraphrase of a comment by Rev. Dave Wickstrom). So, let’s encourage the legitimate desire to learn and discover.

Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning (Proverbs 9:9).

Often it’s better to be held by God than to be healed by God. (Christian George, historian and professor)

No one likes to be sick. When we are, we are willing to try almost anything to be restored to health. Many will pray, asking God for healing. People of faith, however, have learned that healing is not always in their best interest. Prayer and trusting God in the hard times can bring a richer relationship with the “Great Physician.” Pray and trust God.

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to [heal me]. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9).