Daily Stop & Thinks

Good order is the foundation of all things. (Edmund Burke, 18th century Irish-born member of British Parliament)

Someone has said that a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind. Others argue that it’s a sign of a creative person. Einstein said further, “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” Whatever you think about this issue, Burke reflects a biblical principle that would be helpful for most of us to follow.

But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way (1 Corinthians 14:40)

There is nothing more important than a good, safe, secure home. (Rosalynn Carter, wife of former President Jimmy Carter)

We probably all agree with Mrs. Carter. But many people do not even have a home. Storms, floods, natural disasters of all kinds, and the tragedies of broken marriages and financial failures have left thousands of people without any home at all. While we cannot solve everyone’s problems, we should do all we can to help everyone we can.

The Apostle Paul, “. . . we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:35)

The more you have, the more you’re occupied. The less you have, the more free you are. (Mother Teresa)

Have you ever noticed that many people have garages that are so full of stuff there’s no room to park their cars there? Attics, closets, and storage bins are overflowing, too. How much time and effort does it take to care for them? To be free from the tyranny of “things” would allow us to have time and energy to live more productive lives.

Jesus: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15).

Discouragement is a thief. It steals hope, joy, and happiness. (Mike Lee, American pastor)

Someone has said that life is like a bowl of cherries. The comedienne Erma Bombeck replies, “If life is a bowl of cherries, then what am I doing in the pits?” Sometimes life is like that; we struggle with failure, injury, death, or disease. To restore joy in our lives, we must look beyond ourselves and our circumstances to the source of true joy.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him (Romans 15:13).

Any definition of a successful life must include serving others. (George H. W. Bush, 41st president of the United States)

We tend to think of success as having reached the highest pinnacle of achievement in our chosen field of endeavor. Some who climb to the top have done so at the cost of damaging friendships and treating colleagues unfairly in order to arrive there. The most successful, however, as Bush suggests, are those who choose to serve others as they move up.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others (1 Peter 4:10).

Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something. (Plato, classical Greek philosopher)

In the U.S., today is “April Fool’s Day” when people play pranks on each other just for fun. But the day should remind us of how foolish we can be when we don’t intend to. As Plato said, some of us talk just to talk or to be heard. Good advice to follow is to think carefully before you speak to be sure you’re saying something worthwhile.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs (Ephesians 4:29).

If you want to achieve greatness, stop asking for permission. (Anonymous)

In some organizations you have to ask permission from the “higher powers” if you want to experiment with something new or untried. Often the authorities are reluctant to allow their employees to pursue a new idea. That’s why so many entrepreneurs have to launch out on their own. We should be grateful for those who’ve had the courage to do so.

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous (Joshua 10:25).

If you get, give; if you learn, teach. (Maya Angelou, late American poet)

Poets have a way of putting profound truths into simple statements. Angelou’s comments speak volumes of worthy counsel in just eight words. Many people are focused on getting, accumulating possessions for a sense of security. They would benefit greatly—as would others—if they’d learn to give. Learners discover real joy when they share their learning.

One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty (Proverbs 11:24).

Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be. (Abraham Lincoln)

It’s a simple statement that many might disagree with. When you are sad and unhappy, is it because you want to be? That may be hard to admit, but often it seems to be true. After all, we can “make up our minds” about a lot of things. Although we can’t always change our circumstances, we can choose to adopt a better attitude. Think happy to be happy.

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other (Ecclesiastes 7:14).

Family is not an important thing. It’s everything. (Michael J. Fox, Canadian-American actor)

In today’s western society, it is sometimes difficult to find a complete family: mother, father, and child(ren). And many such families are mixed, the result of divorce or death and remarriage. While we might long for and fail to achieve the ideal, the Bible talks about a relationship with God that provides a spiritual family, offering a unique and lasting bond.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (Galatians 6:10).

Whatever America hopes to bring to pass in the world must first come to pass in the heart of America. (Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th U.S. president)

What Eisenhower said about American would be true of any nation and its people. The bigger question, however, is “What is the source of hope?” For Christians, who celebrate Easter today, the answer is that genuine hope comes from God, and it is guaranteed by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

If you are not willing to risk the usual you will have to settle for the ordinary. (Jim Rohn, late American motivational speaker)

Many people fear taking risks. They want to be sure that the anticipated venture will be safe, secure, and successful. Rohn argues, however, that if you won’t take a risk, you won’t achieve anything extraordinary. Risk-taking, of course, should be preceded by careful study and preparation. Minimize the risk, but don’t settle for the everyday ordinary achievement.

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty (Proverbs 21:5).