GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: December 2, 2024

Capacity to Learn

If we can widen our capacity to listen, to see, and to sense what’s happening around us, we could grow personally and learn to be helpful to others. (Jesse Deloe; thanks to Gloria Gaither)

It isn’t that we don’t listen, see, and sense things around us, it’s just that many of us seem to have such a limited capacity that we miss a great deal. A desire to learn and a proactive mindset would likely help us to be more alert to experience new opportunities and broaden our understanding of life. How much more, then, could we make life better both for ourselves and others?

Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. (1 Peter 4:11)

Stop & Think: December 1, 2024

Surprise!

Expect the unexpected, and whenever possible, be the unexpected. (Lynda Berry, American cartoonist)

People are so different! Some do not want anything unexpected to surprise them. Others welcome the unanticipated; it gives life spontaneity and variety. Berry suggests that we be the surprise in someone’s life, assuming it will be positive and encouraging, perhaps even fun. Life is so difficult for many people around us; we should look for those whose spirit we could lift.

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Stop & Think: November 30, 2024

Perfection

You don’t have to be perfect to have a perfect life. (Payton Christian, horse trainer)

It’s obvious that Christian is speaking of people, but in reality, no one is absolutely perfect. The pursuit of perfection is easier when we think of it as becoming mature. And growth toward maturity in every facet of life is a worthy goal. Only God is perfect, but he urges his followers to pursue the perfection they will ultimately achieve when they meet him.

But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)
But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. (Philippians 3:12)

Stop & Think: November 29, 2024

Get Started

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. (Walt Disney, late film producer)

During his lifetime Disney produced numerous cartoons and full-run movies. He created Disneyland and Disney World, which are still favorite vacation sites for thousands of families every year. Of course, he had a large team of workers and lots of funding to accomplish all that he did. But he didn’t just dream about his projects. He planned and started working on each one.

It would be good . . . to finish what you started . . . Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. (2 Corinthians 8:10)

Stop & Think: November 28, 2024

Gratitude

To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything. (Thomas Merton, late theologian)

It’s easy to see God’s hand in the good things that happen to us, for example, the birth of a healthy baby, meeting and enjoying new friends, or experiencing a healthy recovery from illness. But life isn’t always like that. It’s a difficult but valuable lesson to learn that even times of suffering in life can be amazing periods of growth and maturing.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)

Stop & Think: November 27, 2024

Fame or Notoriety?

When you hope to be remembered, please note—you may not be remembered for what you hoped. (Kenneth J. Brown, author)

Some people will try some unique stunt, hoping to see it recorded and go viral. Others hope for fame but achieve notoriety instead. One recently deceased professional athlete had set numerous hall-of-fame-type records, but, unfortunately, he is being remembered more for breaking his sport’s no betting rule. What do you want to be remembered for? Fame? Notoriety? or Integrity?

People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed. (Proverbs 10:9)

Stop & Think: November 26, 2024

Direction

The great thing in this world is not so much where you stand, as in what direction you are moving. (Oliver Wendell Holmes, 19th century poet)

Taking a stand for something you believe in is a worthy thing, but Holmes suggests you need to do more than simply stand firm; movement is important. And writer Kathleen Hall adds another challenging thought: “In every single thing you do, you are choosing a direction. Your life is a product of choices.” Take a firm position and choose to move forward to a worthy achievement.

I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. (Psalm 119:59)

Stop & Think: November 25, 2024

Failures

Don’t worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try. (Jack Canfield, author)

And then, there are those who try but give up too soon. As inventor Thomas Edison noted: “Many of life’s failures are experienced by people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” Not trying and giving up are hazards we encounter when we begin an enterprise that’s difficult and uncertain. Begin with determination and persevere till the end.

I have fought a good fight. I have finished the work I was to do. I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)

Stop & Think: November 24, 2024

Roots

Tap into the power of your roots. (Robert Schuler, late televangelist)

Much of the physical and emotional strength you have is because of your roots—what you inherited from your ancestry. To an even larger degree, perhaps, your current position and success may be from those whose shoulders you stand upon—many teachers and colleagues who have poured into your life. It’s that root system that will help you throughout your life and service.

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:7)

Stop & Think: November 23, 2024

Meaningful Action

If you want to be enthusiastic, act enthusiastic. (Dale Carnegie, author)

Carnegie’s book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, has helped many succeed in their business and personal relationships. Today’s quote embodies a very simple but powerful principle. If you want to be happy, act happy. If you want to be loving, act loving. Many have discovered that they can become what they want just by starting to act in the desired way.

Let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. (1 John 3:18)
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. (Hebrews 10:24)

Stop & Think: November 22, 2024

A Friend

A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you. (Elbert Hubbard, American writer)

Unlike the true friend Hubbard refers to, there are, also, what we call “fair-weather friends.” They are the kind who quickly disappear when they discover something about you they don’t like or agree with. You might learn from such a disappointment, but you profit and learn most from friends who stick with you through the rough times and encourage you to move on.

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice. (Proverbs 27:9)

Stop & Think: November 21, 2024

Dignity

No matter what people say about you, no matter how hurtful or painful, it is crucial to retain a sense of dignity about you, a sense of who you are. (Jerry West, late great professional basketball player)

Professional athletes gain a lot of good and bad publicity. A bad night on the court or field will bring both legitimate and hurtful criticism, while a good performance will get praise and adulation. West learned how to accept both. He was confident in his skills, but his sense of worth was not from his publicity but from the dignity of knowing who he was as a person.

I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. (1 Chronicles 29:17)