Daily Stop & Thinks

Human pride refuses to face the truth. (William Wilberforce, 18th-19th century English politician and philanthropist)


Wilberforce was a leader in the anti-slave trade in England; he also promoted a return to civility in the social life of his country. Perhaps it was in those long-lasting and bitter struggles that he discovered the great tragedy of pride. The proud and arrogant often cannot face the truth because it would require them to change their mistaken values.


Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).

STOP AND THINK – If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them. (Henry David Thoreau, 19th century American Writer, Philosopher, and Naturalist)


It is said that some people are “so heavenly minded they are no earthly good.” Thoreau seems to want to tie the two together. Think and dream widely (even wildly, maybe), and then put effort into making those visions become reality. It takes both imagination and hard work to achieve worthy accomplishments. So, marry the two, dreams and work.


Much dreaming and many words are meaningless (Ecclesiastes 5:7). Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands (1 Thessalonians 4:11).

Patience isn’t naïve. It doesn’t ignore misbehavior. It waits. Listens. Is slow to boil. It’s how God treats us. (Max Lucado, Christian author and speaker)


When we are in the presence of a person who regularly demonstrates patience, we are sometimes distraught. Why doesn’t he or she respond? Are they ignoring us? Don’t hard times upset them? How can they just wait to act? In this fast-moving age, slowing down and showing patience is an art. And we can be thankful that God isn’t impatient with us.


Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly (Proverbs 14:29).

STOP AND THINK – It is art that makes life…makes interest…makes importance, and I know of no substitute for the force and beauty of its process. (Henry James, American born 19th century writer in Britain)


In modern times as a result of amazing, almost unbelievable, scientific discoveries and inventions, we are inclined to elevate the scientific mind to the highest pinnacle and relegate art to a lesser priority. But, as James implies, without art life loses much of its beauty and interest. Be grateful for the advances of the age, but look for the beautiful, too.


Your beauty should not come from outward adornment . . . Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight (1 Peter 3:3-4).

STOP AND THINK – Every time we encourage someone, we give them a transfusion of courage. (Charles Swindoll, pastor and author)


Sometimes it doesn’t take much to encourage another person—just a simple word of thanks, a short note, or even a smile. It does more than just cheer up a discouraged friend. As Swindoll hints, the word itself suggests that it boosts the courage of the one receiving your kindness. What a worthy pursuit: speak kindly to give others the courage to go on.


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

Challenges are what make life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. (Joshua J. Marine)


Many people see the difficulties of life as problems to be avoided at all cost; others regard them as challenges, opportunities to learn and grow. Rather than being discouraged by the obstacles, they eagerly seek solutions, hoping to discover ways to overcome. The result may not only solve the problem but may also bring about significant change and growth.


I delight in . . . difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).

STOP AND THINK – The greatest pleasure I know is to do a good action by stealth and to have it discovered by accident. (Charles Lamb, 18th & 19th century English writer and essayist)


Most people want to do good things to help others, and that’s praiseworthy. Some, however, do their good works to be seen of others and to receive recognition. To do so, as Lamb suggests, is to miss out on the great joy of anonymous giving. Try it. It will help those you give to and reward you with personal joy.


When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you (Matthew 6:3-4).

STOP AND THINK – The world may not be falling apart because of war, but it is being consumed and covered in garbage by seven billion inhabitants. (A letter to the editors of Reader’s Digest)

War is devastating, and current affairs around the world give evidence to its ominous threat. At the same time, while millions are suffering from starvation and deplorable living conditions, another large segment is drowning in excesses, creating enormous landfills of garbage. Surely, there must be sane and peaceful solutions to such anomalies.

Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God (Proverbs 14:31).

STOP AND THINK – Before speaking, you should think about what you’re going to say for at least ten seconds. Then, hopefully, you’ll say nothing. (A dad to his son)


That kind of advice would go a long way in avoiding misunderstandings and hurt feelings, no doubt. Many of us are quick to respond to a comment with a hasty reply that we think is witty and humorous, only to realize just a nanosecond later that we’ve hurt someone. As unintentional as such things are, they are potentially damaging to a healthy relationship.


Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect . . . No man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:2, 8).

Feeling ready is overrated. (Kelvin Cooke, American pastor)

Cooke goes on to say, “If we are truly honest, none of us ever feels completely ready for what’s ahead.” Don’t you find that true? Uncertainty makes you feel you may not be as prepared for the future as you’d like. However, Cooke notes, further, “Ready comes faster if you are already moving.” So, let’s move ahead in the direction we know we should be going.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. (Marcus Aurelius, 2nd century Roman emperor)

Your happiness can’t depend upon outside influences or circumstances; they are transient and impersonal. The idea that “You are what you think” is attributed to Buddha, who also said, “What you think you become.” So, it is critical that we put into our minds thoughts that are righteous and edifying. Then, we have a basis for a life of quality.

Whatever is true, whatever is noble . . . right, . . . pure . . . lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8).