GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: August 15, 2024

Rest

The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it. (Sydney J. Harris, 20th century American journalist)

It seems difficult for many people today to find time to relax. Days off are skipped because of the rush of events or duties. We sometimes postpone vacations because of urgent business involvements. And even when a few spare moments become available, we hasten to turn on the TV or fill the void with some activity. God’s order for taking Sabbaticals is ignored to our loss.

Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile. (Mark 6:31)

Stop & Think: August 14, 2024

Maturity

Maturity: the ability to do a job without being supervised (Dear Abby advice column)

One of the purposes of apprenticeships and internships is to help a worker learn his task well enough to do it alone without supervision. Childhood is like that, too. Children can’t do much by themselves until they’ve been shown how and given adequate practice. We need to train, teach, and give ample time for practice before we commit responsibility to learners.

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

Stop & Think: August 13, 2024

Progress

I wonder often whether any other generation has seen such astounding revolutions of data and values as those through which we have lived. (Winston Churchill, World War II British leader)

More than half-a-century ago, Churchill continued: “Scarcely anything material or established which I was brought up to believe was permanent . . . has lasted. Everything I was . . . sure or taught to be sure was impossible, has happened.” What do you suppose he would think now? The changes and innovation happening today demand we find something true and lasting to build on.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Stop & Think: August 12, 2024

Power

The measure of a man is what he does with power. (Plato, ancient Greek philosopher)

We can judge a man or woman by many standards. How effective are they in their particular field of endeavor? What have they achieved of note? In this election year we will make a lot of choices on the basis of what the candidates promise in their campaigns. A good question to ask: “How have they used their authority in the past? For the good or harm of those they rule?

When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan. (Proverbs 29:2)

Stop & Think: August 11, 2024

Conquer

It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves. (Edmund Hillary, New Zealand mountaineer)

Hillary and his Sherpa companion were the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Such an accomplishment requires conquering height, weather, wind, cold, and fatigue. But the conqueror’s comment highlights what is the first essential in conquering any obstacle or project. You must be under control, and that’s a valuable lesson for any life achievement.

Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. (Proverbs 16:32)

Stop & Think: August 10, 2024

Stress

Stress is not a status symbol. (Charlie Birch, British athlete)

The higher one climbs on the ladder of success, the greater the stress seems to be. In fact, one might judge a person by the amount of stress he’s experiencing. That doesn’t seem to make much sense; why would a person want to have that kind of responsibility? Having capable associates on the job can help. Even more helpful: a trust in God’s help and guidance.

As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. (Psalm 119:143)

Stop & Think: August 9, 2024

Change

Don’t expect to see a change if you don’t make one. (Kevin Saunders, actor and motivational speaker)

It’s an election year, so we’re hearing a lot about change. Either it’s “replace the incumbents” or follow the new programs of the present leaders.” Whether it’s local, state, or federal, there are probably very few citizens who don’t wish for some kind of change. But, as Saunders suggests, real change close to home requires each of us to be willing to make changes for the good of all.

Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. (Romans 12:2)

Stop & Think: August 8, 2024

Reading

Leaders are readers, and readers are leaders. (John Stonestreet, worldview writer)

An effective leader is one who is knowledgeable in the area of his or her expertise. What one reads, of course, will have great influence on decisions that are made in leading. Studying the “Great Books” of the past and keeping up with current thinkers will enhance one’s ability to lead well. And don’t forget the most valuable reading available today: God’s Word.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true. . . . God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Stop & Think: August 7, 2024

Sympathy

Shared joy is an expression of sympathy.  (Allistair Begg, devotional writer)

Begg gives us an interesting view of sympathy which we usually relate to sharing sorrow or loss. He continues: “Consider [sympathy’s] opposite: apathy. If apathy is akin to saying, ‘I couldn’t care less,’ sympathy is saying, ‘I couldn’t care more.’ Sympathy is an identification with the experience of another person.” Let’s share in our neighbors’ joy as well as their sorrow.”

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15)

Stop & Think: August 6, 2024

Excuses

There’s no limit to the human capacity for self-rationalization. (Charles Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship)

The human spirit finds innumerable ways to excuse error whether incidental or consequential. We often make excuses that come to mind quickly for momentary memory failure or unintentional remarks. But the most egregious culprit for our excuse-making is when we use some kind of mental agility that avoids the truth, attempting to justify our errors.

Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. (Ephesians 5:6)

Stop & Think: August 5, 2024

Thoughts and Action

Thoughts create actions, and actions have almost unlimited effects. (Jesse Deloe, writer)

And, to paraphrase writer John Stonestreet, “bad actions have victims.” We can easily identify wrong when we evaluate the consequences of our actions. What is not so easily detected is the evil in one’s mind. But that’s where it all begins. Jesus taught that it is not only the wrong action that is sin but the thought or desire to do wrong

But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. (Matthew 15:18)

Stop & Think: August 4, 2024

Be Positive

Whether you believe you can or can’t, you are right either way. (Kary Oberbrunner)

That seems rather illogical, doesn’t it? Often, however, it is our state of mind that determines the outcome of our efforts. While he knows that both are true, as a motivational speaker and author, Oberbrunner encourages us to be positive in approaching all of life. Scripture encourages the same frame of mind.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8)