GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: May 9, 2025

Positive or Negative?

We can complain that rose brushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses. (Abraham Lincoln)

It’s curious, isn’t it, how people see life differently? Pessimist or optimist? Happy-go-lucky or melancholy? Is our tendency to be one or the other innate or learned? Whatever the case, we can certainly improve our outlook by associating with happy, positive-minded people and intentionally looking for the bright side.

For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. (Proverbs 15:15)

Stop & Think: May 8, 2025

Faith

Faith is like a muscle; it must be exercised to get stronger. (Billy Graham, late evangelist)

When it comes to physical strength, “no pain, no gain” is the mantra that encourages us to maintain an exercise schedule, accepting the momentary pain for the long-term benefit of the workout. In contrast, pain isn’t the result of exercising faith in the promises of God. Instead, there is spiritual growth and a joy that overflows to the benefit of those around you.

Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8)

Stop & Think: May 7, 2025

Force

Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding. (Albert Einstein, noted scientist)

Einstein recognized that not much of value is accomplished by force alone. Late columnist Charles Lauer put it this way: “Leaders don’t force people to follow, they invite them on a journey.” And Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote: “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” Thinking of force in those ways would make 21st century life much better.

When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them. (Proverbs 16:7)

Stop & Think: May 6, 2025

Aromas

Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go. (Oscar Wilde, 19th-20th century Irish playwright)

Wilde’s observation is just too true, isn’t it? We like to be around people who light up the room when they enter. They bring an uplifting spirit, and they spread joy when we meet them. Conversely, we can’t wait to leave the room when someone’s spreading nothing but gloom and doom. The question is, are others happy to see us go?

A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit. (Proverbs 14:13)
For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. (Proverbs 15:15)

Stop & Think: May 5, 2025

Success

Success is not a comfortable procedure. You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable. (Steve Harvey, television host)

Like many other public figures, Harvey was not always successful in the various acting and job opportunities he had. His observation may sound confusing, but it might be helpful as we face successes and failures along our career path. Success rarely comes easily, so in spite of being uncertain and uncomfortable, be “comfortable being uncomfortable.”

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. (Joshua 1:7)

Stop & Think: May 4, 2025

Enough

Earth provides enough for every man’s needs but not for every man’s greed. (Mohandas Gandhi, 19th-20th century Indian nationalist)

God created this world so that by careful use it could provide for what would become many multitudes of people—and animals, as well. And, in spite of less than careful environmental use over the centuries, there still is plenty for everyone. Of course, for some people there’s never enough of what they want. The challenge is learning to be content with less.

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth . . . So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. (1 Timothy 6:6, 8)

Stop & Think: May 3, 2025

Worry

Worrying works. Look at all the things I’ve worried about that never happened. (author Elaine Benton quoting her mother)

With all the advice offered about worrying and its waste of time and effort, this comment is refreshing if not helpful. But isn’t that often our ready response when we are advised to stop worrying? In times of concern, however, it would be far better to seek help among our friends, which may be the beginning of our ability to overcome worry.

Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up . . . The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. (Proverbs 12:25; 27:9)

Stop & Think: May 2, 2025

Light

Flowers don’t worry about how they’re going to bloom. They just open up and turn toward the light and that makes them beautiful. (Jim Carrey, actor and author)

We are enjoying May flowers that April showers have brought into our gardens. We have planted seeds or bulbs, and they have sprung from the rich soil and have turned to the sun that contributes to their growth and beauty. In the last century, philosopher Kahlid Gibran challenged us to, “Be like a flower and turn your face to the sun.” Be positive and beautiful.

God is light . . .  (1 John 1:5)
Blessed are those who . . . walk in the light of your presence, Lord. (Psalm 89:15)

Stop & Think: May 1, 2025

May Day

The beautiful spring came; and when nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also. (Harriet Ann Jacobs, 19th century freed slave and author)

We who live in areas where the four seasons are clearly distinct, eagerly welcome spring every year. But something even more reviving to our spirits than spring are the events of the first Easter that we celebrated just a few days ago. What God offers is not seasonal but everlasting life, in response to faith.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25)

Stop & Think: April 30, 2025

Meaningful Conversation

They don’t need to know your side of the story, and you don’t need the last word. (Moran Richard Oliver, American author and speaker)

Oliver’s comment might well step on our toes. We want to insist that others know what we think, what we’ve experienced and learned. And surely, you need to hear my opinion as a conclusion to our discussion. That’s pretty self-centered, isn’t it? We really don’t know everything, and someone else’s experience and ideas may be just what we need to hear and think about.

You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak . . . (James 1:19)
Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the one who is speaking. (Hebrews 12:25)

Stop & Think: April 29, 2025

Change

People are anxious to improve their circumstances but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound. (James Allen, 19th-20th century British philosophical writer)

Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi famously echoed that sentiment: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” It’s clear that it’s not the environment that determines our life’s direction. And we realize that we can’t depend on government or religion themselves to bring the change we want. Lasting change must begin with each of us, encouraging others to follow suit.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed [changed] by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is. (Romans 12:2)

Stop & Think: April 28, 2025

Leaders

[A leader] “should be what he is calling others to be. (John Piper, late pastor and author)

When you’re the leader, it’s expected that your followers will choose to align themselves with your plans and purpose. Singer Dolly Parton suggests how to judge your success: “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader.” Successful leaders reproduce themselves.

Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. (Hebrews 13:7)