Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – Does something seem terribly important to you today? Extremely, vitally serious? Almost to the point of distraction? (Charles Swindoll, pastor and author)

There are times, aren’t there, when we really feel pressured because that particular day has something extremely important about it—a job interview, an intervention, an important deadline to meet. Those things can distract us to the point that we overlook the really important, long-lasting values in our lives. Perhaps we need to readjust our outlook on life.

Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).

STOP AND THINK – It is not the facts which divide men but the interpretation of the facts. (Aristotle, 4^th century BC Greek philosopher)

Facts are universal—true everywhere and all the time. When men disagree about one thing or another—the subject of origins, for example—they have the same facts to consider. Did God create what we know today or did we evolve? The facts haven’t changed, but our worldview may well determine our understanding of them.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands (Psalm 19:1).

STOP AND THINK – Total peace will only come from total commitment. (Robert Schuller, late preacher and author)

Few of us have probably ever experienced total peace. Peace is more than just the absence of turmoil. It is a sense of security and well being whatever the circumstances. Schuller seems to suggest that we have something to do with acquiring a sense of peace. It involves, he says, a commitment. The question: commitment to what? It’s a trust in the true source of peace.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Jesus: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (John 14:27).

STOP AND THINK – The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity. (Dorothy Parker, 20^th century American writer and satirist)

Children sometimes say, “I’m bored; I can’t find anything to do.” It’s the wise parent who tries to awaken the child’s interest in something different and unique—something that will pique his or her curiosity. William Arthur Ward wrote, “Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning.” Arouse curiosity, and you’ve put the child on the road to learning.

I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw (Proverbs 24:32).

STOP AND THINK – Individual prominence is secondary to helping the community. (Opinion survey of Millennials)

Each generation of young people seems to develop characteristics that separate them from other generations; they become unique in one way or another. Millinnials (people reaching adulthood in the early 2000s) are different from the “me first” generation that preceded them. It’s encouraging and insightful to recognize this unique, unselfish attitude about community.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)

STOP AND THINK – Genuine happiness consists in those spiritual qualities of love, compassion, patience, tolerance, and forgiveness and so on. (The 14th Dalai Lama, Thai Buddhist spiritual leader)

Many people think that happiness is to be found in activity of some kind. Or, it’s the result of having things that fill your life and home with beauty, comfort, or security. In reality, of course, we soon discover that happiness is not found in material things or the temporary pleasure they might give us. Happiness is a state of a mind that is settled in God.

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).

STOP AND THINK – Clarity of mind means clarity of passion, too; this is why a great and clear mind loves ardently and sees distinctly what it loves. (Blaise Pascal, 17^th century French scientist and Christian philosopher)

We seem to be living in a very passionate society. Whether its sports, games of chance, sex, or a host of other pursuits, many people are almost fanatical about their interest of choice. In many cases it appears that people are so fervent that their minds are clouded and their passion is misplaced. It’s critical, then, to think clearly about our zeal for life’s activities.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord (Romans 12:11).

STOP AND THINK – Equipping and mentoring are more important than directing. (Sam Ranier III, president of Ranier Research)

Rather than just giving students the facts, which is merely the transferring of knowledge, educators must teach students to think for themselves. Learners must be given the tools for study and be trained in how to use them in order to gain facility with the knowledge they’re gaining. The result, then, will be useful wisdom and learners who grow and contribute.

Now may the God of peace … equip you with everything good for doing his will (Hebrews 13:20-21).

STOP AND THINK – The nail that sticks out gets hammered. (Japanese proverb)

Is this proverb intended to teach that we should not try to bring attention to ourselves? If we look and act like everyone else, perhaps no one will notice us, and we’ll be safe. Or maybe there’s a positive lesson to learn: instead of going it alone there is value in being a team member, working together as a unit. Both you and the team will be safe and successful.

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

STOP AND THINK – Language becomes event when the reader is personally involved as a participant. (Charles Hummel, educator and author)

Language is more than just the assembling of words. They must be put into meaningful phrases and clauses to convey meaning. When we use language, whether speaking or hearing it, we intend to communicate with one another. When we are actually participating in the action described by our words, it is no longer just language, it is life.

The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:130)

STOP AND THINK – The function of setting up goals and passing statements of value transcends the domain of science. (Albert Einstein, renowned German-American scientist)

For some people, science has all the answers. If we can just pursue answers through careful research and experiments, we can discover truth. Perhaps, indeed, we can certify specific facts, but as Einstein suggests, there’s more to life than simple facts. There’s a spiritual element to life that enables us to set goals and establish values that make life productive.

Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come (1 Timothy 4:8).

STOP AND THINK  – All things strike a balance: a dull party, for instance, gets you to bed at a decent hour. (Anonymous)

That’s a humorous way of looking at life, isn’t it? And we can be grateful for such times in life, when difficult or unpleasant events are balanced out by something that distracts us and makes life more enjoyable. We should be more alert to look for the positive balance in the disagreeable situations we may encounter.

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. . . . I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation (Philippians 4:11-12).