Daily Stop & Thinks

All errors are opportunities for learning rather than blaming. Learning is a continuous . . . never-ending process. (Author uncertain)

Most people hate to make mistakes. Some of us are never satisfied with anything less than an “A.” Sadly few of us achieve such high marks. But, take heart! Every test—even those we don’t do well in—can be a valuable learning opportunity. As long as we live, we must choose to continue learning. It makes life enjoyable and productive.

Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. (Proverbs 4:1-3)

It’s better to be wise than strong; intelligence outranks muscle any day.” (The Bible)

The text from Proverbs 24 also says, “It takes wisdom to build a house, and understanding to set it on a firm foundation. “ Maybe the writer is suggesting that a home is more than just a building. The building of the house requires both physical strength and knowledge. But for the family to be healthy, wisdom and understanding are needed.

A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength. (Proverbs 24:5)

“An ever-increasing craving for an ever diminishing pleasure is the formula” [for an addiction]. (Paraphrase of C. S. Lewis in Screwtape Letters)

Addictions, whether physical or psychological, rarely occur instantaneously. Usually, there is a satisfying “taste” that encourages a second, and then a third, ad infinitum. Before you know it, you can be captured by a “need” that is overwhelming and, often, almost incurable. We must discourage even the first “trial” of any addictive substance or behavior.

As no one has power over the wind to contain it . . . so wickedness will not release those who practice it. (Ecclesiastes 8:8)

Experience is that marvelous thing that enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again. (F. P. Jones, author)

Our lives demonstrate this truth all too often, don’t they? We don’t want to repeat our mistakes, of course, but from them we can learn to identify those situations that might lead to a repetition of the error. When we slip-up, we should take time to realize what has happened and how to avoid the blunder in the future.

And the God of all grace . . . will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. (1 Peter 5:10)

When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what’s happening. That’s where your power is. (Author unknown)

Have you ever blamed your mistakes on circumstances or other people when the problem was that you made a wrong choice? Here we are challenged to exercise control over how we respond to life’s difficulties, no matter who is to blame. You can’t control others or circumstances, but you can control your response and your attitude.

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. (Proverbs 25:28; 17:32)

The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it. (W. M. Lewis, teacher and university president)

This oft-quoted maxim should awaken us to the fact that life is often short. The sooner we take it seriously, the more productive we will be. In modern society it seems that men and women are changing careers every few years. While that may be necessary and useful at times, we should give careful thought early in life about how best to live it.

For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. (Proverbs 9:11)

There is nothing wrong with being unable to learn, but there is a problem with being unwilling to learn. (Bruce Triplehorn, teacher in Brazil and Chad)

Triplehorn’s comment was in response to a quote from American author Brian Herbert who wrote: “The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.” Triplehorn also noted the example of older men who had accomplished much in their careers but remained humble and continued to learn.

Let the wise listen and add to their learning. … Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. Proverbs 1:5; 9:9)

A post-truth society is one in which truth takes a back seat to emotion—where feelings effectively replace facts. (John Stonestreet, president of Colson Center for Christian Worldview)

“Post-truth” was touted as the word of the year for 2016. As Stonestreet says, much of Western society has forsaken the foundational value of truth. He noted, “Feelings effectively replace facts.” This is a dangerous philosophy to live by. We cannot ignore facts (truth) because we don’t like them. Search for truth and live by it.

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32)

For fast acting relief, try slowing down. (Lily Tomlin, comedienne)

We’ve seen the commercials for some kind of over-the-counter remedy for heartburn or headache, and when you’re hurting, you do want fast relief. Tomlin, however, has hit upon a remedy that would probably help most of us in this fast-paced society we live in. It’s hard to slow down when there is so much to do, but a slower pace would certainly bring relief.

Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. (Psalm 143:1)

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you sow. (Robert Louis Stevenson, 19th century Scottish poet, novelist, and essayist)

This is good advice at the beginning of a new year. What we hope to see at the end of 2017 will depend largely on what we do at its beginning and consistently throughout the year. We most likely won’t see a daily harvest, but we must continually sow good seeds of thoughts and actions that will produce good fruit in productive living.

From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward. (Proverbs 12:14)

Today is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one. (Brad Paisley, singer, songwriter)

The past is gone; the future is here. What will you write on the pages of this New Year? Whether or not you have made New Year’s resolutions, you surely have hopes and dreams—maybe even plans for 2017. Dream big, plan well, work hard, and ask God for guidance and wisdom to see you through the next 12 months.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)