GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: December 3, 2023

Freedom

When you consider yourself to be a victim – you give control of your life to someone else. (Condoleezza Rice, former US secretary of State)

The United States was born out of a hope for independence. That was a national issue, and it created a great spirit of personal independence among its citizens. Today,  however, while some still demand their rights as individuals, others seem to feel that their rights have been taken away, and they are victims of society. In God’s grace, there is freedom for all who depend on Him.

For you have been called to live in freedom . . . use your freedom to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13).

Stop & Think: November 30, 2023

Courage

We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face. (Eleanor Roosevelt, America’s “First Lady,” 1933-45)

It may not be a common experience for most of us, but occasionally you might come up to a frightening situation. It’s then that Roosevelt’s comment applies. She continues, “We must do that which we think we cannot.” That’s what courage is, doing what must be done when you’re not sure you can do it. A strong trust in God and His providence might be all that you need.

Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety (Proverbs 29:25).
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).

Stop & Think: November 29, 2023

Our Tasks

I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble. (Helen Keller, disability overcomer)

Remembering what Helen Keller overcame in her life to receive worldwide recognition for her achievements makes us marvel at her humility. She may have thought of her accomplishments as “small tasks,” but she offers sound advice to all of us who will likely never receive the acclaim she did. Our “duty,” indeed, is to think of our tasks as great and noble—because they are.

Whatever you do, do well (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people (Colossians 3:23).

Stop & Think: November 28, 2023

Beauty #2

Beauty without courtesy is like a garden without flowers. (Siddhartha Gautama, 6th century BC religious teacher)

Beauty pageant winners are noted first of all for their attractive physical appearance. Real beauty is more than that, of course. Someone has said that beauty is as beauty does. In other words, one’s behavior and attitude reflect one’s inner beauty. And the lack of kindness and courtesy are like a flower garden with no blooms, deceiving and disappointing.

So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us (Ephesians 2:7).

Stop & Think: November 27, 2023

Beauty #1

Beauty, in our eyes, is always fresh and living . . . (Charles Alexander Eastman, the first Native American to be certified in Western medicine)

Eastman continues “. . . even as God . . . dresses the world anew at each season of the year.” You may still be enjoying the colors of the fall season. Soon, it may be the white stuff, brightly covering the landscape. And in a few more months spring flowers and trees will bud again  In each season, our hearts should be filled with gratitude and praise to the Creator.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship (Psalm 19:1).

Stop & Think: November 26, 2023

Be a Blessing

Make me a blessing at work and at home. Make me a blessing wherever I roam. (David Adam, science author)

What does it mean to be a blessing? Have you ever known someone who just couldn’t do enough for you? It might be a variety of actions: meeting someone’s need for food or clothing. Providing help to someone in distress. Or it could just be a kind and cheerful word to a stranger. It’s wanting to be gracious and helpful wherever you are. Find a way to “bless” someone today.

I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others (Genesis 12:2).

Stop & Think: November 25, 2023

Is Life Fair?

Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good. (Regina Brett, American author and podcaster)

We weren’t very old when we learned that not everything goes the way we want it to. We told our parents, “That’s not fair!” And they very likely responded, “I know, but life isn’t fair.” As Brett might suggest, it would be better to say, “Life isn’t always fair.” And when “life” isn’t fair, accept the good things in life as God’s blessing for that day.

Truly God is good . . . to those whose hearts are pure (Psalm 73:1). So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up (Galatians 6:9).

Stop & Think: November 24, 2023

Smart or Wise?

A smart person knows what to say. A wise person knows when not to say it. (Source unknown)

We can all remember times when we couldn’t think of what to say. In a lively conversation or a private one-on-one counseling session, sometimes the words just don’t come. How frustrating! What’s even worse, however, is having a good answer in a given situation but not realizing that it’s not the right time or place to say it. That’s practical wisdom.

The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly (Ecclesiastes 12:10). The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking (Proverbs 15:28).

Stop & Think: November 23, 2023

Struggles

Be thankful for all the struggles you go through. (Source uncertain)

Really? I should be grateful for the difficulties I face? Well, listen to the rest of the quote: “They make you stronger, wiser, and humble.” Those are qualities worth working for even in difficult times. Those hard times will come, but our response to them can help us and others whom we may influence. There’s even more counsel: “Don’t let them break you; let them make  you.”

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you (Isaiah 43:2).

Stop & Think: November 22, 2023

Satisfaction

The human heart can bear neither good nor bad. (Martin Luther, 16th-century Protestant Reformation leader)

Luther explains: “When we have money and possessions, we have no rest; in poverty, no peace.” This truth has been proven in human experience for centuries. Luther’s conclusion: “In the middle is correct, that is, to be satisfied with one’s fortune.” That isn’t to say that we shouldn’t work for more; rather, we must learn to be satisfied with what we have today.

I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation (Philippians 4:11-12).

Stop & Think: November 21, 2023

Religion

Genuine religion is shown by its power of persistence. (F. B. Meyer, late British author)

Religious practices, sects, and cults seem to come and go. Only a few have persisted over the years. One of the tests for the sincerity and value of attempts to reach and please God is the endurance of the practitioner. But that’s not enough in itself. Practice may make permanent, but it doesn’t guarantee the perfection God demands. That is to be found in the only way to Him.

Jesus: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me (John 14:6).

Stop & Think: November 20, 2023

Where Are We Going?

Men should strive to learn before they die what they are running from, and to who, and why. (James Thurber, late American humorist)

In the hurry and scurry of modern life, it may sometimes seem that we are either running from something or to something. Without knowing what those somethings are, life can be confusing and unsatisfying. Slowing down seems impossible but if we could determine the goal we’re striving for, we no doubt could move forward deliberately and confidently.

Let love be your highest goal! (1 Corinthians 4:1) . . . our goal is to please him (2 Corinthians 5:9). Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God (Galatians 1:10).