Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – There is no virtue in giving to others what is useless to oneself. (From Aesop’s Fables)

Generosity is a trait worthy of developing. However, when you give something away that you don’t need or wouldn’t use yourself, you are not being generous. And refusing to give to someone in need when you could help is another kind of selfishness. But you will discover that generous giving has a way of returning blessing to the giver.

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer . . . Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. (Proverbs 11:24-25)

STOP AND THINK – Above all, challenge yourself. You may well surprise yourself at what strengths you have, what you can accomplish. (Cecile M. Springer, chemist, educator)

Life presents us with many challenges. Sometimes, they come from others—teachers, coaches, counselors, and friends. Our response to such challenges is often the key to success in sports, academics, or professional life. But, as Springer suggests, the greatest motivation for achievement is doubtless the challenge we impose on ourselves, a test to do our very best.

 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart. (Colossians 3:23)

STOP AND THINK – Life is mostly froth and bubble; two things stand like stone: kindness in another’s trouble, courage in your own. (Adam Lindsay Gordon, 19^th century Australian poet)

Most of us would probably agree that life is more than just “froth and bubble,” but we would acknowledge, no doubt, that there is a lot of frivolity in it. Gordon makes a good point, though: being kind to others is an evidence of strong character and concern for others. Also, standing strong in times of difficulty demonstrates the courage of character, as well.

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all [of God’s law]; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. (Joshua 1:7)

STOP AND THINK – Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere . . . that is found in a nurturing family. (Virginia Satir, 20^th century American author and social worker)

Satir described this atmosphere as one “where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible.” There is a lot of emphasis today on self-worth and self-image, and, perhaps, the best place to create and sustain such worth is in a family where such values are lived out and love flourishes.

Be devoted to one another in love; honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10)

STOP AND THINK – Change has long been a fearful thing for human beings … and at the same time, it is our most Divine opportunity. (Chelle Thompson, Inspiration Line)

Thompson goes on to say, “Clinging to the banks of the river may seem safe and more secure, but life’s possibilities are truly engaged only when we trust, release and become part of The Flow of the Universe.” We may not understand what the “flow of the universe” is, but we do get the point: don’t let the fear of change keep you from participating in life.

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. (Proverbs 29:25)

STOP AND THINK – We’re in the land of the dying, preparing for the land of the living. (Heard at a Christian funeral)

When a friend or loved one passes on, we begin to think more about death. Otherwise, it’s a subject we prefer to ignore. But it’s a startling statement, isn’t it? We will all die—that’s part of the human experience. Death is to be followed by “the judgment,” according to the Bible. It would be wise to prepare for what follows: forever life for the people of God.

Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. (Daniel 12:2)

STOP AND THINK – When you carry out acts of kindness, you get a wonderful feeling inside. (Harold Kushner, popular American Rabbi and author)

Kushner continues, “It is as though something inside your body responds and says, ‘Yes, this is how I ought to feel.’” What causes that warm, fuzzy feeling when you do something good? Maybe we were created to do good, to show kindness to others, to “do unto others,” as the Bible teaches. Begin to practice doing good, and see how good it makes you feel.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people. (Galatians 6:10)

STOP AND THINK – As we become people of character and integrity, we’re committed to being honest even when we don’t have to be honest. (Mike Lee, pastor)

We admire the stories of “Honest Abe,” 16^th president of the United States. Those anecdotes illustrate a quality that seems to have been lost in modern society. But, as Lee points out, honesty is the result of character and integrity. If we’re not honest when “we don’t have to be,” we very likely will fall into dishonesty when we really need to be truthful and candid.

Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right. (Proverbs 16:13)

STOP AND THINK – I count myself in nothing else so happy, as in a soul rememb’ring my good friends. (William Shakespeare)

Do you find it hard to be happy when you’re alone, all by yourself in a difficult circumstance of life? It’s the camaraderie of friends that adds so much to life, giving it an extra dimension. When friends are together, it multiplies the joy that each one might have when alone. So, seek good friends and maintain a close relationship.

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice. (Proverbs 27:9)

STOP AND THINK – Where we start from matters less than where we’re going. (Author unknown)

Whether it’s from a wilderness log cabin or the luxurious nursery in a palace, the judgment of one’s life will be determined by where he or she ends up, not by where they started. Many have found their way to success in spite of their start in poverty or obscurity. Don’t look back; plan your steps and move forward tirelessly to worthy accomplishments.

“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)

STOP AND THINK – I need a faith that nothing can shake. Emphasis on NOTHING. Even when I do not know why, I can endure with a faith like that—even if I never find out why! (Charles Swindoll, pastor and author)

To a lot of people, faith is a difficult word. Some think that if they just had enough faith, they could achieve greater success in their life pursuits. Others discount faith as if it were just a wishful, hope-so longing. The kind of faith Swindoll is talking about, however, is based on the knowledge of the faithful one. It’s the object of faith (God) that enables you to endure.

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings. (Hebrews 10:22)

STOP AND THINK – I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among men the greatest asset I possess. The way to develop the best that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement. (Charles Schwab, businessman and investment advisor)

Some business executives lead like tyrants and dictators. “Do it my way, or else.” They are often harshly critical of their employee’s mistakes. Schwab suggests a better way. Many of us have experienced both kinds of leaders, and no doubt we would agree that we do better when our bosses express appreciation and encourage us in our work.

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