Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – If we love people even when they are unlovable, then we provide an opportunity for them to change. (Ken Blanchard, author and management expert)

Wow! How do you love someone who is unlovable? Blanchard doesn’t tell us how, but he points to the benefit there is in doing so. It’s hard to help people change. Arguing rarely helps. Getting angry only makes things worse. But if you were to act toward them in their own best interest (that’s love), you may be surprised at how they might change.

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24)

STOP AND THINK – I’ve found that worry and irritation vanish into thin air the moment I open my mind to the many blessings I possess. (Inspiration Line)

We can really be discouraged, almost depressed, can’t we, when we are burdened with concerns and problems? Too often we overlook all the good things that we have and experience. The old gospel song puts it well, “Count your many blessings, name them one by one; count your many blessings, see what God has done.”

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. (Psalm 107:8)

STOP AND THINK – Each time a person … acts to improve the lot of others … he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and [joined by other such acts) … these ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance. (Robert F. Kennedy, late attorney general of the USA)

You might think that your little effort on behalf of others doesn’t really make much difference. But, when combined with similar good deeds of others, the aggregate effort can be significant. Nothing can stop the sincere, repeated good works of combined efforts for the benefit of others. So, keep up the good works!

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)

STOP AND THINK – If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon our hearts. (James A. Garfield, 20th president of the United States)

Wrinkles seem to be an inevitable indication of age. Or, perhaps, wrinkles appear on the brow as a result of worry and concern. Whatever the cause, it would be good to heed Garfield’s advice. Don’t let extended years or excess worry age your heart. Keep it beating with youthful ambition and positive thinking.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23)

STOP AND THINK – Keep your face always toward the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind you. (Walt Whitman, 19th century American poet and essayist)

Some people seem always to be looking into the shadows, afraid of the light and wanting to hide from life’s realities. Light is a symbol of truth and right, so it would be better to look toward it rather than away from it. Then, the darker, discouraging things of life will fall behind you, and you’ll be emboldened to move forward.

(A prayer): Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. (Psalm 43:3)

STOP AND THINK – A problem well stated is a problem half solved. (Charles F. Kettering, 20th century inventor)

At times life can be pretty complicated and our problems so complex that we don’t know where to begin to find resolution. Kettering reminds us that problem-solving begins with an accurate understanding of the problem. If we can identify it clearly, we are half-way to the solution. In addition, we can seek help from the One who has the answer to life’s problems.

The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. (Psalm 34:19)

STOP AND THINK – Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. … You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. (Martin Luther King, Jr., late civil rights leader)

Today Dr. King is honored in the United States as, perhaps, the most significant leader in the civil rights movement in the 20th century. His legacy demonstrates that the greatest leaders are those who seek to serve others. Not everyone will achieve his prominence, but everyone can make significant advances in his or her community by serving others.

Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant … just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. (Matthew 20:26-28)

STOP AND THINK – It’s little moments that make life big. (Anonymous)

We’re always looking for the big things in life—bigger houses, bigger cars, bigger bank accounts. We often miss the little things because we’re pursuing the big activities—the sporting events, the concerts, the mass rallies. Yet, it’s contentment with what we have and little happy moments in relationships that bring lasting joy. Don’t overlook the “little.”

Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. (Proverbs 15:16)

STOP AND THINK – The thing that lies at the foundation of positive change, the way I see it, is service to a fellow human being. (Lee Iacocca, American business leader)

While change must always begin with one’s self, it should be our purpose to bring about change in our community and world. As Iacocca says, that can happen only if we make the effort to serve others. Self-service gains little of lasting value, but providing help and aid to others affects an ever-widening circle.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10)

STOP AND THINK – The choice you make makes you. (John Wooden, late renowned basketball coach)

There are few things in life that you can control. One is your attitude; you decide whether to be angry, sad, or happy. Another is choice. And the outcome of your choices is fully your responsibility. If you choose to do wrong, you will have to pay the consequences. If you make right choices, on the other hand, you can enjoy the benefits.

Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. … But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)

STOP AND THINK – Yesterday is ashes, tomorrow wood. Only today does the fire burn brightly. (Eskimo Proverb)

Common ideas couched in new expressions help us see reality more clearly—like this Eskimo proverb. Of course, everyone knows that yesterday is gone with its heartaches and joys. Tomorrow holds promise, but it hasn’t arrived yet. So, all we have is today, and that should be enough. Today is the only day we can accomplish anything, so just do it!

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2)

STOP AND THINK – If it is hard to accept a rebuke, even a private one, it is harder still to administer one in loving humility. (D. A. Carson, theologian and author)

It hurts when someone corrects you, even if the rebuke is needed and given in a gracious, loving way. No one likes to be wrong or to have his error pointed out to him. But, as Carson says, it’s even more difficult to rebuke someone else. Like spanking your child, you can rightly say, “It hurts me more than it does you.” So, offer correction humbly and with love.

Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear. (Proverbs 25:12)