GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: February 3, 2024

Understanding

The questioning mind wants not just to know but to understand. (Jesse Deloe, writer)

With the increased use of artificial intelligence, it might seem that we don’t need to know as much as we used to. After all, so much knowledge is produced for us that we may not even have to study to learn. But, of course, knowledge by itself is not very helpful. We need to discover truth and understand how it relates to life to be worthy, contributing citizens.

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding (Proverbs 3:13).

 

Stop & Think: February 2, 2024

Truth

Truth cannot suffer from investigation. (A. L. Garber, 19th-20th century church writer)

Whatever happens, it’s probably being investigated. From Congress to the local PTO, rarely can anything be taken at face value. Sometimes it is evident that we’re not hearing the truth. But lies and cover-ups can never stand the light of truth. And when we discover truth, we never need to fear that someone will overcome it.

Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you (Psalm 25:5).

Stop & Think: February 1, 2024

Reactions

The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It’s about what you’re made of not the circumstances (Tom Roy, sportswriter)

It’s an interesting phenomenon of God’s creation, isn’t it? We can be glad it’s that way. I like chilled hard-boiled eggs, but I like my potatoes warm and chewable. Like those foods, we often face circumstances that could make us boiling mad or frozen in bewilderment. Unlike food, however, we respond to circumstances with reactions that will show exactly what we’re made of.

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry (James 1:19).

Stop & Think: January 31, 2024

Good Examples

Good performance is contagious; Poor performance is more contagious. (Craig Groeschel, leadership podcaster)

We are inspired when we watch a gifted athlete, or listen to great speakers and musicians. We’d like to be that good, so we may try to imitate them. That’s good if those we copy are good at what they do. It follows then, that when we imitate those who aren’t as gifted, we may not live up to our potential. Be sure to follow those who provide the best quality examples.

And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 1:11).

Stop & Think: January 30, 2024

Great Work

The only way to do great work is to love what you do. (Steve Jobs)

How many people are tied up in jobs they don’t like? If they’re young, it may be a steppingstone while they are looking for another job. If they’re older, perhaps they are counting the days until retirement or hoping for an early buyout. The work of these people probably does not reach a high standard. How much better to find work you enjoy and can give your very best.

Hard work brings rewards (Proverbs 12:14). . . . Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. (2 Timothy 2:15).

Stop & Think: January 29, 2024

Striving for the Best

Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is. (Vince Lombardi, late noted football coach)

You wouldn’t think it would be necessary to charge an athlete with Lombardi’s challenge. You assume, if you’re playing the game, you want to win. But maybe the challenge is to many of the rest of us, who aren’t involved in sports but are facing obstacles in our lives. Are we too eager to give up? Winning isn’t everything, to be sure, but striving to do one’s best is essential.

Run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize (1 Corinthians 9:24b-25).

Stop & Think: January 28, 2024

Principle

It is more rational, just, and patriotic to leave a party to stick to principle than it is to leave your principles to stick to the party. (S. H. Bashor, late church leader)

In an election year, Bashor’s comment is most appropriate. Loyalty to one’s party, as to other associations, is commendable, but principle is vital. Integrity requires adherence to higher standards of truth and character rather than personal loyalties. It’s difficult to break rank with long-time associations, but loyalty to truth and principle is essential to maintain one’s integrity.

What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God. (Galatians 6:15-16).

Stop & Think: January 27, 2024

Talents

It’s not how many gifts you have but which ones you use. (Source unknown)

We sometimes refer to a person as a Renaissance man. In its historical setting, it referred to a cultured man of the Renaissance era who was knowledgeable, educated, or proficient in a wide range of fields. A few people seem to have those characteristics today, and they are often multi-talented. But it’s not so important how many gifts you have, but that you use them effectively.

Each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another (1 Corinthians 7:7). In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well (Romans 12:6).

Stop & Think: January 26, 2024

Stick with It

The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. (Amelia Earhart, late American aviation pioneer)

Earhart is one of those pioneers who didn’t wait too long in determining her next steps in aviation. She decided to do the difficult and stuck with it, as most inventors and pioneers do. We often find it difficult to stick with our decisions. We vacillate  until the time has passed, and it’s too late. Plan carefully, make your choice, push forward, and stick with it.

Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. . . . “Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water” . . . At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished . . . “(Daniel 1:8, 12, 15).

Stop & Think: January 25, 2024

Balance

The cultivation of the mind is the handmaid of virtue and religion. (E. L. Yoder, church founder)

Sadly, Yoder’s statement isn’t true in the Hallmark movie world we like to live in. In that setting, one’s feelings are the all-important factor when it comes to making life choices. If it feels good, it must be okay. “It can’t be wrong when it feels so right.” But Yoder is far closer to reality. The best life is one where education, work, faith, and love are well balanced.

Add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control, perseverance, to perseverance godliness . . . (2 Peter 5b-7).

Stop & Think: January 24, 2024

Courage

I learned that courage is not the absence of fear but the courage to triumph over it. (C. S. Lewis, late British scholar)

Lewis continues, “The brave man is not he who is not afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” Do you remember what it was like when you played in your first piano recital (or similar event)? You had butterflies in your stomach, didn’t you? And you likely wanted to forget all about it. But, if you went ahead and performed, you were courageous, fearful but doing it anyway.

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: January 23, 2024

Influence

The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any. (Alice Walker, American social activist)

Everyone has influence over others in some way. Whether it’s a playmate, a fellow student, or an adult compatriot, there is always an opportunity to bear some kind of influence however limited. Thinking you don’t really have such power will severely restrict your ability to be an example and encourager to others who are looking to you.

[Those who fear the Lord] share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. (Psalm 112:9)