Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – Planning isn’t as valuable as learning. And learning comes from trying. (Peter Skillman, British innovator)

Skillman goes on to say, “And trying inevitably involves initial failures. But from the less-than-stellar first attempts, eventual triumph emerges.” Any business teacher will emphasize the importance of planning; it is essential. But what you learn from working your plan may provide the most significant lessons. Plan, try, and learn: keys to success.

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. (Proverbs 19:21)

STOP AND THINK – Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start. (Nido Qubein, businessman, motivational speaker, and educator)

We often begin an excuse with, “Under the circumstances…” as if we are controlled or limited by the events that surround us. But, as Qubein suggests, circumstances don’t dictate the future; we are not limited to today’s experiences—good or bad. Today’s situation isn’t determinative; it is merely the place from which we begin our movement forward.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

STOP AND THINK – If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me. (Attributed to Robert Schuller, retired American televangelist)

Others put it this way: “Be the change you seek” and “Do not wait for leaders. Do it alone, person to person.” (Mother Teresa). This is the opposite of the often-heard, “Let George do it.” In a society that seems to be becoming more and more dependent on others, it would be better to follow Nike’s epigram, “Just do it.”

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. (James 4:17)

STOP AND THINK – If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant—if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. (Inspiration Line)

After a long, hard winter, spring is eagerly anticipated and enthusiastically welcomed. But, what if we had no winter? Would spring become commonplace, taken-for-granted—even unappreciated? Prosperity may be like that, too. It’s only after difficult times—trials that test what we’re made of—that we really appreciate the good times. Let’s be grateful for them.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

STOP AND THINK – Whatever you are by nature, keep to it; never desert your line of talent. Be what nature intended you for, and you will succeed. (Sydney Smith, 19th century English writer)

Sometimes, it seems, young people want to be something that they don’t really seem suited for. Dissatisfaction with your natural abilities—wishing you had someone else’s gifts—too often leads to failure and depression. Discovering and developing your talents will bring satisfaction and fulfillment and, most likely, bring joy to others, as well.

Each of you has your own gift from God (1 Corinthians 7:7). Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others (1 Peter 4:10).

STOP AND THINK – Never explain—your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway. (Elbert Hubbard, 19th-20th century American writer and philosopher)

Katherine Mansfield wrote, “I always felt that the great high privilege, relief and comfort of friendship was that one had to explain nothing.” There are undoubtedly times when a person does need to offer an explanation, but often it should be unnecessary. Your friends trust you, and you don’t need to explain your actions or motives; they’ll always trust your word.

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice (Proverbs 27:9). A friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17).

STOP AND THINK – Reputation matters but character leads the way. (Lolly Daskal, leadership consultant)

Reputation is gained in many ways—having a great success (in sports or entertainment, for example) or a big public failure (moral problem, criminal act, etc.). In the latter case, you might have been known as a person of character, but that has been destroyed quickly. We should work to build a reputation that is based on evident character maintained over time.

[God’s leader] must also have a good reputation with outsiders. (1 Timothy 3:7)

STOP AND THINK – Someone has said that an education is a growing awareness of our ignorance. (Quoted by Bruce Triplehorn, American teacher in Brazil)

The honest learner would confess that the more he learns the more he realizes there is so much more to learn. It is the purpose of education to help students master the skills needed in life to progress and to develop. It’s a delight to acquire a new skill or to achieve a new accomplishment. After that, there’s more to pursue, more to accomplish. That’s education.

Let the wise listen and add to their learning (Proverbs 1:5). Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning (Proverbs 9:9).

STOP AND THINK – Sweater: a garment worn by child when its mother is feeling chilly. (Inspiration Line)

We can all remember our mothers caring for us this way. Sometimes, it was unnecessary, maybe, but it was their overwhelming love that motivated them to protect us from danger (or colds). Such love is worthy of imitation. Shouldn’t we be looking out for those who are less able to care for themselves, trying to protect them from potential harm?

The righteous care about justice for the poor (Proverbs 29:7). Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people (Galatians 6:10).

STOP AND THINK – There is no practical value in believing. The value comes from what we do with what we believe. (Mike Lee, American pastor)

It has been noted before that belief or faith is only as good as the object of that faith. But, as Lee points out, there’s another factor to consider. It isn’t enough to have faith—to believe in a reliable, trustworthy entity. If that faith doesn’t cause you to change, to act upon what you say you believe, then it brings into question whether you really do believe.

Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

STOP AND THINK – The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread. (Mother Teresa)

Hunger is still a serious problem in our world, and we should do all we can to alleviate it. Providing nutritional food will help, and we must make it available. But there are also many people who are starving for affection, having no self-worth and devoid of anyone who cares. We must find ways to take that love to such needy people, too.

For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14)

STOP AND THINK – Belief isn’t just about being sincere. If you really really believe you can fly, you’ll really really get hurt. (Kevin DeYoung, theologian and author)

Many people seem to think that as long as you have faith, you’ll be okay. But, as DeYoung points out, faith must be placed in something that is real and true. Blind faith will lead nowhere good. The strength of faith is all about what you’re placing your faith in. Be sure to trust in what is eternal and true.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. … And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:1, 6)