Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have and only you can determine how it will be spent. (Carl Sandberg)

Time is one of those rare elements of life over which we have some control. Once we’ve reached adulthood and are free to exercise our will, as Sandberg suggests, we are the ultimate choosers of how to use our discretionary time. He also gives this warning, “Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.” Trust God and use your time wisely.

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge (Psalm 62:8).

STOP AND THINK – Superficiality is the curse of our age, (Richard J. Foster, Quaker theologian and author)

When we see all the glitz and glamour of modern culture as portrayed in Hollywood and the inane content of TV sitcoms, we very likely would agree with Foster. He says further, “The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people.” Serious thought is essential for productive living.

Apostle Peter: “I have written both of [my letters] as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking (2 Peter 3:1).

STOP AND THINK – A master in the art of living  . . .  pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. (Francois Auguste René Chateaubriand, 18^th & 19^th century French writer and diplomat)

The writer continues, “To himself, he always appears to be doing both.” The line between labor and leisure is often defined by the time clock—whether we are at the factory or the office or away from the “job.” But the difference may not be that great when you are deeply involved in a productive project which you are invested in and greatly enjoy.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed. (2 Timothy 2:15). Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart (Colossians 3:23).

STOP AND THINK – Men will not consider, will not look ahead, will not look around them, will not reflect on the end of their present course, and the sure consequences of their present days, and wake up to find they are damned for a lack of thinking. (J. C Ryle, 19^th century Anglican bishop)

Ryle wrote about “Dangers For Young Men” more than a century ago, but the same warnings are valid today not only for young men but for all of us, as well. We are inclined to accept what we find on the Internet or hear from the “talking heads” on TV without giving thought to what we’re hearing and reading. It would be wise to listen and think clearly.

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

STOP AND THINK – The secret to enjoying life is to count your blessings–not your birthdays. (Author unknown)

On each birthday, we think we are one year older. In fact, of course, we are only one day older on the anniversary of our birth. But, we still think in terms of years; we’re always asking children how old they are. That’s important to children wanting to grow up fast. For older folks, it’s helpful not to think so much of years but of the richness of those years.

For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. . . The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short (Proverbs 9:11; 10:27).

STOP AND THINK – The “Golden Rule” has no inches nor feet, yet it is the measure of every man. (Author unknown)

Whereas lumber labeled “2×4” is really only 1½ x 3½ in actual dimensions, life can rarely be judged by explicit measurements. The rules of life have more to do with attitudes and relationships, and they are more difficult to measure. Our conduct is judged by those intangibles, demanding careful applying of sound life principles.

Do to others as you would have them do to you (Luke 6:31). Love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18).

STOP AND THINK – Diversions are as essential to our health and personal development as schools are to our education, or as food is to our nourishment. (Charles Swindoll, pastor and author)

We are often so occupied in the pursuit of success that we become completely absorbed with our jobs and our progress toward achieving our goals. We don’t take any time off, enjoy an occasional vacation, or just relax for a few hours. As Swindoll suggests, however, the failure to unwind a bit may deprive us of good health and personal development.

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his (Hebrews 4:9–10).

STOP AND THINK – Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. (Plato, classical Greek philosopher)

Some of us are eager to share our thoughts even when they may not be carefully thought through. We just can’t stand silence, so when there’s a lull in the discussion, we jump right in. We need to learn to listen well, think carefully, and then offer our comments only when we’re sure they are a worthy contribution to the conversation.

Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues (Proverbs 17:28). Everyone should be quick to listen [and] slow to speak (James 1:19).

STOP AND THINK – Happiness begins where selfishness ends. (John Wooden, late renowned coach)

“That’s mine.” It’s my turn.” “Me first.” Even before they can speak those words, children begin to show their selfishness by their actions and attitudes. Unfortunately, some adults have never outgrown that unpleasant trait, though they might try to hide it. The sooner we learn to share and honor others, the sooner we’ll learn to be happy.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves (Philippians 2:3).

STOP AND THINK – Man is a creature of hope and invention, both of which belie the idea that things cannot be changed. (Tom Clancy, American novelist)

Sometimes we feel as if we’re in a bind—an unpleasant situation from which there seems to be no escape. Our past experience may have taught us to think that we can’t change our circumstances—we’re trapped by unalterable conditions. But, as Clancy points out, if we act on our creative abilities, we can often find or create a way to overcome.

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4).

STOP AND THINK – Almost all unhappiness in life comes from the tendency to blame someone else. (Brian Tracey, personal development author and speaker)

Blaming others for our wrong doing is nothing new. It happened way back in the beginning, when the human couple blamed a serpent and each other for their disobedience to the Creator God. Taking personal responsibility for our actions is an essential step in achieving worthy goals and establishing good relationships.

God: “What is this you have done?” Eve: “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” (Genesis 3:13). Contrast David: “Have mercy on me, Lord; heal me, for I have sinned against you.” (Psalm 41:4)

STOP AND THINK – Pride can’t grow in a garden of gratitude. (Bruce Barlow, pastor)

A lot has been written and said about pride, and how most people react unpleasantly to arrogance. If we fail to learn to be humble, we may learn the hard way, through humiliation, what a proper self-image should be like. How can we avoid the pride that can alienate us from society? Barlow offers a great suggestion. Thankfulness is a good antidote to pride.

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment (Romans 12:3).