GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: February 10, 2024

Tolerance

Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions. (G. K. Chesterton, 18th-19th century British apologist)

Chesterton’s comment looks at tolerance from a very restricted viewpoint. Allowing commentators with views different from us for the purpose of discussion and learning is a virtue. However, G. K.’s comment is accurate when you won’t allow others to be heard because of their ethnic background, sexual orientation, or political views, as is too often the case today.

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm. . . . (1 Corinthians 16:13). Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong (Ephesians 6:11).

Stop & Think: February 9, 2024

Improved Teaching

Variety keeps the teaching moving and aids the learning process. (Bruce Triplehorn, cross-cultural teacher)

Triplehorn’s observation fits well with teaching within one’s own culture, as well. He suggests using . “. . stories, gestures, role playing, and objects to illustrate . . . truth.”  Such techniques will overcome boredom (often a problem with lectures) and may stimulate creative thought. We can all profit from a variety of learning methods to improve understanding.

Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching (1 Timothy 4:16).

Stop & Think: February 8, 2024

Healthy Experience

Don’t live the same year 75 times and call it a life. (Robin Sharma, Canadian writer)

When the prospective employer followed up on the statement, “I’ve had 25 years’ experience at my previous job,” his former employer noted, “Really, he had just one year’s experience 25 times.” It’s possible, isn’t it, to repeatedly perform or have an experience many times without really learning anything new? Make it your goal to experience many new things every year.

Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. … Fear of the LORD lengthens one’s life. … Godly people find life (Proverbs 9:11; 10:27; 11:19).  

Stop & Think: February 7, 2024

Discipline

Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most. (Abraham Lincoln)

We may rightly complain about the lack of discipline in schools, the workplace, and even in our homes. But self-discipline is probably the area most in need of our attention. As Lincoln suggests, we usually succumb to the desire to have what we want and to have it RIGHT NOW. What we too  often neglect to do is consider the wisdom of waiting.

We are waiting for the hope of being made right with God (Galatians 5:5a).

Stop & Think: February 6, 2024

Wasting Time

(The) Word of the day is “Spuddle,” (17th century idiom)

A lot of different words have been used over the years to describe working ineffectively or being extremely busy while accomplishing absolutely nothing. It may mean to work feebly and ineffectively, because your mind is elsewhere or you’re not quite awake yet. We ought to be careful that we aren’t just “spuddling” when we are expected to  accomplish something of value.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people (Colossians 3:23).

Stop & Think: February 5, 2024

Perfection  #2

Perfection: admire it; aspire to it, but don’t require it. (Geno Auriemma, coach of championship college women’s basketball teams)

Coach Auriemma’s teams were often near perfection, winning national championships and losing very few games. He seemed to be pretty hard on his college teams, always urging them to do better, to play as well as they could, and they responded nearly to perfection. It’s a good lesson for us. We will not be perfect, but we should aspire to it, and do our very best.

Let [your faith] grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing (James 1:4).

Stop & Think: February 4, 2024

Perfection

Strive for continuous improvement instead of perfection. (Kim Collins, Olympic athlete)

Olympic athletes work hard and long to improve their skills. Only rarely does one receive a perfect 10. It’s really difficult to be perfect in anything—using proper grammar, word choices, hitting the right notes, remembering your cues, etc. We should all strive for excellence, improving along the way, and providing an example of perseverance for others to follow.

I don’t mean to say that . . . I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me (Philippians 3:12).

Stop & Think: February 3, 2024

Understanding

The questioning mind wants not just to know but to understand. (Jesse Deloe, writer)

With the increased use of artificial intelligence, it might seem that we don’t need to know as much as we used to. After all, so much knowledge is produced for us that we may not even have to study to learn. But, of course, knowledge by itself is not very helpful. We need to discover truth and understand how it relates to life to be worthy, contributing citizens.

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding (Proverbs 3:13).

 

Stop & Think: February 2, 2024

Truth

Truth cannot suffer from investigation. (A. L. Garber, 19th-20th century church writer)

Whatever happens, it’s probably being investigated. From Congress to the local PTO, rarely can anything be taken at face value. Sometimes it is evident that we’re not hearing the truth. But lies and cover-ups can never stand the light of truth. And when we discover truth, we never need to fear that someone will overcome it.

Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you (Psalm 25:5).

Stop & Think: February 1, 2024

Reactions

The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It’s about what you’re made of not the circumstances (Tom Roy, sportswriter)

It’s an interesting phenomenon of God’s creation, isn’t it? We can be glad it’s that way. I like chilled hard-boiled eggs, but I like my potatoes warm and chewable. Like those foods, we often face circumstances that could make us boiling mad or frozen in bewilderment. Unlike food, however, we respond to circumstances with reactions that will show exactly what we’re made of.

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry (James 1:19).

Stop & Think: January 31, 2024

Good Examples

Good performance is contagious; Poor performance is more contagious. (Craig Groeschel, leadership podcaster)

We are inspired when we watch a gifted athlete, or listen to great speakers and musicians. We’d like to be that good, so we may try to imitate them. That’s good if those we copy are good at what they do. It follows then, that when we imitate those who aren’t as gifted, we may not live up to our potential. Be sure to follow those who provide the best quality examples.

And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 1:11).

Stop & Think: January 30, 2024

Great Work

The only way to do great work is to love what you do. (Steve Jobs)

How many people are tied up in jobs they don’t like? If they’re young, it may be a steppingstone while they are looking for another job. If they’re older, perhaps they are counting the days until retirement or hoping for an early buyout. The work of these people probably does not reach a high standard. How much better to find work you enjoy and can give your very best.

Hard work brings rewards (Proverbs 12:14). . . . Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. (2 Timothy 2:15).