GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

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)

Stop & Think: August 3, 2024

Kindness

Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom. (Theodore Isaac Rubin, late psychiatrist and author)

Wisdom is important, of course. The Bible tells why: “Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!” and “How much better to get wisdom than gold. ((Proverbs 3:7; 16:16). Many are going to all kinds of sources to try to find the wisdom they need in today’s chaotic society. But without love and the kindness it fosters, wisdom can be empty and uncaring.

You must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness. (Colossians 3:12)
Be kind to each other. (Ephesians 4:32)
And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. (Romans 12:8)

Stop & Think: August 2, 2024

Opinion

A great many people mistake opinion for thought. (Herbert V. Prochnow, 20th century American banking executive)

We believe in freedom of speech, that everyone has the right to express his thoughts and ideas. In an election year, we are inundated with speeches, blogs, and social media blasts. And we may be inclined to accept the opinions of well-spoken people, thinking they have probably given a lot of thought to what they’re saying. Beware! Be sure to give all of it your careful evaluation.

Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. (Proverbs 18:2)
Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the [truth] say the same thing? (1 Corinthians 9:8 paraphrase)

Stop & Think: August 1, 2024

Gratitude

While you’re working for what you want, don’t forget to be thankful for what you have. (Mel Robbins, American motivational speaker)

It’s so easy in the daily grind of life to think about the future and what we hope it will be like. We may find ourselves constantly thinking about what we want to achieve, what will bring us happiness, and what we need to make it all happen. Robbins challenges us to remember to be grateful for what we already have rather than constantly be wanting more.

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:11)

Stop & Think: July 31, 2024

Words

Kind words are a creative force, a power that concurs in the building up of all that is good, and energy that showers blessings upon the world. (Lawrence G. Lovasik, 20th century religious writer)

Modern fiction—whether movies, social media, TV, or books—is more often full of  foul language and innuendo than kind words. The ill-chosen language detracts from a good story and entices the audience  to continue reading, listening, or watching. And too often they are a “creative force” that instills hatred which leads to violence. Lovasik highlights the value of powerful words that encourage and uplift.

Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. (Proverbs 16:24)

Stop & Think: July 30, 2024

Maturity

Definition of maturity: the ability to carry money without spending it. (quoted by Dear Abby)

The popular credit card commercial asks, “What’s in your wallet?” For most people, it isn’t cash! Because of the popularity of sports gambling and mounting credit card abuse, the problem is becoming worse by the day. Teaching our children to use money wisely and being a frugal example ourselves will go a long way to combat wasteful spending.

Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! (Ecclesiastes 5:10)

Stop & Think: July 29, 2024

Coward or Hero?

The hero & the coward both feel exactly the same fear, only the hero confronts his fear & converts it to fire. (Cus D’Amato, late American sports trainer)

Whether it’s as dangerous as fighting on a battlefield or simply facing a dreaded opponent in the sports world, fear might be the element that determines how one responds. As D’Amato says, both the coward and the brave may face the same fearful obstacle. The result will prove the character of both. Thankfully, faith in God can provide the strength to face our fears.

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic . . . . For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. (Deuteronomy 31:16)