Daily Stop & Thinks

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. (African proverb)

We’ve all had times when we really wanted to do something by ourselves because having someone else along would slow us down. That happens too often in today’s fast-paced society. On the other hand, for the long haul, we do need the companionship of others. The camaraderie, the able assistance, the encouragement—they all enable us to go a lot further.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed (Ecclesiastes 4:9).

How many observe Christ’s birthday! How few, His precepts! (Benjamin Franklin, early American statesman, inventor, and author)

Christmas is just one week away now, and we’re hearing more and more Carols and messages about the Christ Child, peace, and good will. Does Franklin imply that many people give lip service to the meaning of Christmas and Christ’s coming, but ignore His teaching? Jesus came, not for temporal blessing but to give life to those who receive Him by faith.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him (John 3:17)

It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped. (Tony Robbins, self-help author)

Expressing the same idea, a film some years ago was titled, “Decision determines destiny.” Another way of putting it might be “Choices have consequences.” There are not many things in life we can control, but making a choice or a decision is one of them. In light of the future outcome of our decisions, we had better give careful thought when we choose.

Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her (Proverbs 8:10, 11).

To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time. (Leonard Bernstein, late noted composer and conductor)

Bernstein’s first criterion is well accepted, no doubt. To accomplish anything of worth, you surely need to have a plan. Rarely do great achievements occur spontaneously. His second idea, however, may seem strange. Perhaps the writer is suggesting that we achieve more when we’re pressed for time, when the deadline demands concentrated effort.

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Romans 14:19). Redeeming the time … (Ephesians 5:16).

Whatever leisure time we are able to invest in relationships is time well spent. (Charles Swindoll, pastor and author)

Life is so busy for many people that they don’t seem to have time to establish close relationships. They work with or for people, and they see people in the store, at the gas station, and at community events, but most of those associations are brief and transient. Swindoll suggests we should spend time and effort to establish lasting friendships.

A man who has friends must himself be friendly. . . . A friend loves at all times, (Proverbs 18:24 and 17:17).

The best way to keep one’s word is not to give it. (Napoleon Bonaparte)

That statement seems to be rather cynical, doesn’t it? Of course, if you never make a promise or commitment, you’ll never fail to keep it. It used to be that a man’s word was as good as his bond. Only a handshake or a verbal agreement was enough. Today, it almost takes a lawyer to establish agreement. The Bible says our “yes” should be sufficient.

All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one (Matthew. 5:37).

Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers. (Michael Korda, editor and author)

We often think that great leaders are men and women of vision, and we may suppose that the strategy of forward-thinkers involves intricate means for fulfillment. Korda implies, however, that their dreams may be lofty, but good leaders make their plans simple. They leave the complicated details to their aides. Keep it simple is the maxim of the wise.

We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer . . . the Lord determines our steps (Proverbs 16:1, 9).

A creative artist works on his next composition because he was not satisfied with his previous one. (Dmitri Shostakovich, Russian composer and pianist)

Creative people seem never to be satisfied with their work. We may view their art, hear their music, or read their writings and think them to be near perfect. But the artist always feels a need for improvement. There is some better way to express the inspiration he feels. Artist or not, we should all try to make our next effort better than the previous one.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart (Colossians 3:23).

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. (Calvin Coolidge, 30th president of the United States)

Yet, sometimes families and friends are separated because of past grievances or hurt feelings. Christmas is a time for giving love and mending damaged relationships. The big day is just two weeks away. That’s just enough time, perhaps, to repair those strained relationships that sometimes separate those who should be close at the holiday season.

Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace (2 Corinthians 13:11).

We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. (Albert Schweitzer, medical missionary to Africa)

That was Schweitzer’s conclusion after he said, “In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being.” All of us have had those times of discouragement, when we need a kind word from someone else. The result often is a rejuvenated sprit and a desire to press on.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don’t unravel. (Author Unknown)

Is it possible that we take our blessings for granted without fully appreciating what we enjoy every day? Health, sufficient food, good friends, steady employment—these are all elements of life that we sometimes fail to recognize as blessings. Many in this world do not have what we take for granted. So, let’s be thankful for these things and live grateful lives.

In everything give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18). . . . Always giving thanks for all things (Ephesians 5:20).

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (The Bible)

What people really value in life is demonstrated by their activity, their habits, the way they use their resources. We may say that we love God, or we’re altruistic and want to help people who are less fortunate than we are. But, when more of our time and money are spent in pursuing the personal pleasures of this life, we show what we really value most.

I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces . . . everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind (Ecclesiastes 2:8, 11).