GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: January 6, 2024

Riches

There are two ways to be rich: one is by acquiring much and the other is by desiring little. (Jackie French Keller, children’s author)

The contrast could not be greater! Just look at the accumulation of “stuff” that you find in many garages, attics, and storage units. Think back a few days ago to Christmas. How many gifts were under the tree? Many, no doubt, that were just to be added to the toy box or sports bag. We just can’t seem to learn that contentment doesn’t come with more stuff but learning to live with less.

First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs (Proverbs 30:8).

Stop & Think: January 5, 2024

Couch Potatoes

Failure is the one thing that can be accomplished by doing nothing. (Payton Christian, horse rescuer)

“Couch potato” has become a common term to describe people who seem to have nothing better to do than watch TV. He or she may  not be lazy necessarily, but there’s little that moves them to activity. You may be able to accomplish something by getting off the couch and going to work. Otherwise, as Christian says, you will achieve nothing because you are doing nothing. Get up!

Get up and prepare for action (Jeremiah 1:17).

Stop & Think: January 4, 2024

Keep On!

Champions keep playing until they get it right. (Billie Jean King, former professional tennis champion)

We may joke about someone’s repeated attempts at work or in games, “Are  you going to keep doing it till you get it right?” Winners, as King says, practice continually. But they must practice the fundamentals correctly, because continual practice may make your actions permanent. So, keep at it, but first be sure you are doing it right.

Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart (Psalm 119:34).

Stop & Think: January 3, 2024

Speaking the Truth

Fears, however justified, should never stymie constructive and necessary action. (Dale Stoffer, university professor and author)

Sometimes we may be tempted to refrain from saying or writing what we know to be true because of the expected audience or readership. It’s the fear of ridicule or rejection that makes us hesitant to speak out. It would be better to evaluate the importance of the truth we are withholding and not let personal fear prevent us from sharing what needs to be heard.

We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:14-15).

Stop & Think: January 2, 2024

New Opportunities

New Year is a new morning, and a new morning is a new opportunity, and a new opportunity is a new path and finally a new path is a new richness! (Mehmet Murat ildan, Turkish playwright)

Maybe you need a fresh, positive look for the New Year. Last year may not have been so good for you, but  2024 brings with it time to make improvements and explore new opportunities. Every day can be a new experience of growth and progress. Set and expect to accomplish worthy goals and work diligently to achieve them.

Make the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 5:16).

Stop & Think: January 1, 2024

On to 2024

Last year told you what you needed to know. This year is go time! Happy New Year! (Richie Norton, executive coach)

While we don’t want to concentrate on the past, undoubtedly there are lessons to be learned from 2023 experiences. Perhaps this would be a good day to think through last year and jot down memorable events, especially those ideas and activities that could help you face the opportunities of 2024.

I have not achieved (perfection) but I focus on this one thing: . . . I press on to reach the end of the race. (Philippians 3:13-14)

Stop & Think: December 31, 2023

New Year’s Eve

Tonight’s December thirty-first, / Something is about to burst. . . (Ogden Nash, 20th-century poet of light verse)

“. . ./ The clock is crouching, dark and small, / Like a time bomb in the hall./ Hark, it’s midnight, children dear./ Duck! Here comes another year!” We really don’t have to be reminded that a New Year is about to dawn. It’s inevitable. Unlike children who may not have experienced as many New Years as we adults have, we should help them anticipate joyous new experiences.

The hopes of the godly result in happiness (Proverbs 10:28).

Stop & Think: December 30, 2023

The Passing of the Year

Another year filled with blessings, laughter, and love. Thank you, dear year, for all the precious moments. (Source unknown)

How wonderful it is to take a positive look back on 2023. Surely there were good days, memorable events, warm relationships to be grateful for. Let’s spend our time thanking God for them and thanking Him, also, for the more difficult times that He saw us through. As we move into the New Year, we can remember the past with gratitude for God’s help.

 “Up to this point the Lord has helped us!” (1 Samuel 7:12b)  Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. (Psalm 37:5)

Stop & Think: December 29, 2023

Finish Well

Every task, goal, race, and year comes to an end… therefore, make it a habit to finish strong. (Gary Ryan Blair, business coach)

Just a few more days, but 2023 isn’t quite over yet. We shouldn’t just coast into the New Year. As Blair says, we need to finish strong. Today may be the last working day of the year for many people, but there’s still lots to do in finishing assigned tasks, and nurturing relationships that have developed through the year. Make 2023 a year to remember and be proud of.

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus (Acts 20:24).

Stop & Think: December 28, 2023

Pain

Long time gain is more valuable than short term pain. (Jesse Deloe, writer)

Pain is often the clue to problems that need to be cared for. The remedy may sometimes cause pain: surgery, perhaps, or nasty-tasing medicine, or just being laid aside in discomfort for a while. And we’re willing to take that short time suffering because of the gain over a future longer time. Maybe we should regard pain as the discipline that will train us for more productive living.

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way (Hebrews 12:11).

Stop & Think: December 27, 2023

Light and Truth

The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them. (Ida B. Wells, American journalist and educator)

Everyone seems to think they have a solution to today’s problems. Politicians claim to have the right answers, but Congress can’t find a mutually satisfactory way to govern. Protestors have a lot of zeal and offer more anger and hatred than light. Wells’ instruction would be helpful if we could somehow discover the truth that is offered for our good.

Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live (Psalm 43:3).

Stop & Think: December 26, 2023

The Day After

Christmas isn’t just a day; it’s a frame of mind. (Miracle on 34th St.)

The Big Day is over, the gifts have been opened, and the gift-wrappings all picked up. But what about the season’s attitude and feelings? Is the holiday all over? Do we have to wait until next Christmas to experience joy and love? If that’s true, what a shame! It’s more than just ”a frame of mind,” of course. Let the love of God through Jesus remain in your heart.

For God … made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6).