GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: June 2, 2023

Friendship

Tears are the truest connection we have with others. (Lysa Terkeurst, author)

When friends are hurting, the kind words we may want to offer are appreciated, without doubt, but they often fall on unhearing ears. But the friend who weeps with those who weep will be understood and appreciated. Likewise, congratulations are appreciated when a friend is honored or achieves some significant mark. Shared tears, again, may well hit a deeper level of joy.

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep (Romans 30:5). Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

Stop & Think: June 1, 2023

Parenting

Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you. (H. Jackson Brown, American author)

Cartoons, movies, and TV shows often make light of families with troublesome parents or undisciplined, spoiled children. With so many dysfunctional and single-parent families today, it’s more important than ever for complete, wholesome families to demonstrate a lifestyle that encourages others to follow suit. Children need parents who exemplify healthy living.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). 

Stop & Think: May 31, 2023

Honesty

Some say that one’s faith is a private matter and should not be spoken of so publicly. (William Wilberforce, 18th-19th century British member of parliament)

He continues: “The fact is those who say such things usually don’t even have a concern for their faith in the privacy of their interior lives.” It’s also true today that some people argue for issues that aren’t consistent with their personal convictions. Again, it’s a matter of personal integrity and honesty. It’s a worthy goal to live so that our lives reveal the true intent of our heart.

Honesty guides good people . . . Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool. (Proverbs 11:3; 19:1)

Stop & Think: May 30, 2023

Long-lasting Love

The heart that truly loves never forgets. (Thomas Moore, 18th-19th century Irish writer)

After a few years, husbands often begin to forget things like birthdays and anniversaries. It isn’t that they’ve forgotten their mates or don’t still love them, it’s just that life brings too many dates and events to remember them all. But wives love it when husbands do remember. On the other hand, it’s important to forget past grievances. That’s really strong evidence of true love.

Live happily with the woman you love . . .  The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil (Ecclesiastes 9:9). Love keeps no record of being wronged (1 Corinthians 13:5). 

Stop & Think: May 29, 2023

Leadership

The iceberg represents your leadership. (Southeastern University)

The statement continues, “The10% above the water is your skill. The 90% below the water is your character. It’s what’s below the water that sinks the ship.”  It’s rather frightening, isn’t it? The citation continues, “Your leadership ability has the potential to carry you further than your character can sustain you.” Your integrity must be the driving force in the exercise of your skill.

People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed. The LORD detests people with crooked hearts, but he delights in those with integrity. (Proverbs 10:9; 11:20)  

Stop & Think: May 28, 2023

Do It Now!

You may regret that you didn’t start sooner. But that doesn’t stop you from starting today. (Kenneth J. Brown, author)

Are these some of your regrets: “I wish I had taken piano lessons when I was a kid.” Or “If only I had started dieting last year.” You can probably think of several others. Remember, “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago.” The lesson is obvious. You can’t start any sooner than today, so let’s get to it. This is a good day to plant a tree!

Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love (Hosea 10:12).

Stop & Think: May 27, 2023

Speaking and Living

An ounce of practice is worth more than a ton of preaching. (Gandhi, 19-20th century Indian political ethicist)

The Italian mystic, Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” When we were kids, we said it this way, “Actions speak louder than words.” It’s the way we live, more than our words that show people who we are and what we stand for. Be sure that what you say accurately reflects who you are.

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone . . . Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. (Colossians 4:6; Hebrews 10:24)

Stop & Think: May 26, 2023

To Speak or Not to Speak

Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place but leave unsaid the wrong thing. (Benjamin Franklin)

We sometimes do miss an opportunity to say the right thing at the right time. We realize just a moment or so later, “I should have said …” And there are probably just as many times that we have thought a little too late, “I wish I hadn’t said …” The more careful we are about what and when we say things, the more likely we are to encourage others.

Those who control their tongue will have a long life . . . For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. (Proverbs 13:3; James 3:1)

Stop & Think: May 25, 2023

Others

What do you think would happen if you and I spent less time focusing on what we want and more on what someone else might need? (Retired pastor)

It’s a “Me First” society. “I’ll do it my way” could be our generational anthem. It begins in childhood with “It’s MY toy” and “Let ME go first.” Those are cries that parents hear soon after their children learn to talk. So, it’s really difficult for parents and teachers to help young people learn to share and seek the welfare of others before their own. The Bible offers strong counsel.

Don’t be selfish . . .  Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too (Philippians 2:3-4).

Stop & Think: May 24, 2023

Just Do It!

Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out. (James Bryan Conant, late educator)

We probably don’t often think of turtles as examples to follow, although the legend of the tortoise and the hare offers a powerful example of persistence. Conant isn’t saying don’t try to make progress but rather, move ahead slowly, making sure you know what your goal is and how you’re going to reach it. We should count the cost and plan ahead as well as we can.

But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? (Luke 14:28)

Stop & Think: May 23, 2023

Salvation

Human salvation can be found neither in the profusion of material goods nor in merely making money. (Alexander (Solzhenitsyn, Russian author)

It would seem that many don’t accept the noted Russian writer’s comment. Overloaded garages and storage units reflect the idea that whoever has the most wins. Reports of some very wealthy people who have gone down in disgrace would indicate that financial gain isn’t the answer either. Again, the Bible has the answer.

I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation (Psalm 62:1-2)

Stop & Think: May 22, 2023

Failure 2

I don’t know the key to success, but I do know the key to failure is trying to please everyone. (TV comedian)

In time we all face the dilemma of differing expectations that others have for us. Politicians, in particular, quickly discover that some of their supporters make demands that they cannot pursue in good conscience. Giving in may win an election, but it could hardly be called success from the perspective of integrity and character. Losing an election is far better than losing your soul.

And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? (Matthew 16:26)