Daily Stop & Thinks

Legacy

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. (Thomas Campbell, 18th-19th century Scottish poet).

At funeral visitation and services, we often hear or say, “He/She will never be forgotten.”

Sometimes we think, “I’ll never forget —-.” Our memories are short, aren’t they? But we treasure the memories of those unique people who greatly influenced us in some manner. It’s a legacy that can encourage and challenge. That’s how we should try to affect our friends.

Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith (Hebrew 11:4).

Freedom

Freedom is not the opposite of control. (Craig Groeschel, author, speaker)

Our country was founded to provide freedom for its citizens. Centuries later, some seem to understand that to mean freedom from control. Such a spirit of independence will result in anarchy. You can’t play basketball or any other sport without rules, and someone has to enforce them. True liberty is the freedom to live as you choose within the established social constraints.

For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil (1 Peter 2:16).

Home

At Christmas, all roads lead home. (Marjorie Holmes, late American author)

Christmas is two weeks away, and many people are making traveling plans to be at  home with family for the holidays. I’ll Be Home for Christmas is one of those haunting melodies, because it’s home “only in my dreams.” Remember at the original Christmas; wise men from the East traveled all the way to Bethlehem to worship at the home of the Christ child. Let us worship, too!

“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2).

Opportunity

Don’t waste your time waiting and longing for large opportunities which may never come. (F. B. Meyer, 19th-20th century pastor)

Are you hoping for a great opportunity that you can pursue to bring you success and fulfillment? Those chances are few and far between, and it’s not likely that your hope will suddenly and dramatically be fulfilled. Meyer wrote further: “But faithfully handle the little things that are always claiming your attention.” That’s what usually leads to success. So, be diligent!

Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days (Ephesians 5:16).  Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone (Galatians 6:10).

Education

Education is the foundation of all human freedom. (S. H. Bashor, late evangelist)

Governments usually require schooling for all children. It’s probably true that education has always included some measure of indoctrination. We learned the three R’s, but we also were taught to value our freedom as patriotic citizens. Today much of public education seems to be  more concerned about political agendas that diminish true freedom. We must be on the alert!

Through training, those who are mature have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong (1 Timothy 4:7, paraphrase).

Smile!

If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams, and you will always look lovely. (Roald Dahl, British author)

It’s amazing what a smile will do, isn’t it? First, it means that, no matter how attractive the  face is, it’s even more attractive when it’s lit up with a smile. It, no doubt, indicates that the smiler is really feeling good. What’s more, the smile has a positive effect on those who see it. What more can you expect from a little thing like a smile? So, light up your face, and smile!

A glad heart makes a happy face (Proverbs 15:3). What a relief to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the face of God! Genesis 33:10).

Pearl Harbor Day

We do remember Pearl Harbor. (President Ronald Regan)

This is the day to remember the losses at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, that brought the United States into World War II. Since then, we’ve had September 11, 1921, and just recently the horrific attacks and losses in the Middle East. Will it ever end? Lasting peace will not come until the Prince of Peace returns to earth. Now, we remember those who suffer, and we pray for peace.

Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies (Hebrews 13:3).

Listening

The big communication problem is that we don’t listen to understand; we listen to reply. (Stephan R. Covey, American educator and author)

The author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Covey puts his finger directly on one of the major reasons for miscommunication. Isn’t it true that when you’re in a conversation with friends, you are often mentally framing your reply? That interferes with your clear perception of what’s being said. Learning to listen well will be a great help in better interaction with others.

You must all be quick to listen (James 1:19).

Things

He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only. (C. S. Lewis, late British author)

Even devout followers of God sometimes find themselves in the trap of accumulating too much “stuff.” It seems to be human nature to want to collect things of value and, sometimes, just amusing trinkets of little value. At death, it often is a burdensome task for the survivors and heirs to dispose of all the inherited goods. Lewis’ words are a good reminder about the values of life.

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (Philippians 3:8).

Christmas Aggravation

As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations . . . , it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation. (Donald E. Westlake, late American writer)

Have you begun your Christmas shopping yet or addressed your cards? There are three weeks left before the Big Day, which can be spoiled by what Westlake calls “aggravation.” It’s good to remember the value of those we buy gifts for and send cards to. And he reminds us that they are “people to whom we are worth the same.” Give with the same love that God shares today.

Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:35).

Change

People change when the pain associated with the status quo is greater than the pain associated with change. (Carey Nieuwhof, author, speaker‏)

A  lot of people resist change. But, as Nieuwhof notes, we are ready for change when the current situation has become too difficult. Perhaps we’ve put off a medical procedure until the physical pain is so great we can’t stand it anymore. Then we are probably ready for the lesser pain that the medical procedure may cause. Long time gain is more valuable than short term pain.

Now I am glad I sent [the letter to you], not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways (2 Corinthians 7:9).

Kindness

Everybody is kinder when we feel kindly ourselves. (Henry Holsinger, 19th-20th century church leader)

He continued, “Our neighbors become more accommodating when we run over with courtesy toward them.” In a world that seems to lack kindness, it’s encouraging to see a billboard that says, “You can be anything you want; Be kind.” Holsinger’s quoting of hymn writer, John H. McNaughton is appropriate: “There is beauty all around when there’s love at home.”

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