GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

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)

Stop & Think: January 22, 2024

Time

If you love life, don’t waste time, for time is what life is made up of. (Bruce Lee, late American actor)

There is probably nothing so easy as wasting time. We all have the same 24 hours a day, and some people can accomplish a lot in those waking hours. Others of us find it far too easy just to let time pass without exerting much meaningful effort. Time to rest and relax is important, of course, but using time wisely and purposefully will benefit both you and others around you.

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. . . . Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11)

Stop & Think: January 21, 2024

Leading

You don’t lead by pointing and telling people some place to go. You lead by going to that place and making a case. (Ken Kesey, late American essayist)

We seem to like to tell other people where to go and how to get there, don’t we? Even when we haven’t been on that trail, we often think we know all about it either from something we’ve read or heard. But there’s nothing quite like going with the traveler and leading the way with confidence. It gives you a sense of fulfillment and certainly encourages your followers.

He led his own people like a flock of sheep, guiding them safely through the wilderness (Psalm 78:52).

Stop & Think: January 20, 2024

The Greatest and Best

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. (Buddha, ascetic and religious teacher)

Those who enjoy good health would heartily agree. And, like the Apostle Paul, learning to be content with what you have is a great blessing (see Phil. 4:11-13). The blessings of firm and loving relationships is truly a joy. And the amazing fact is that God has provided a way for us to have a personal relationship with him through faith in his gracious provision.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8).

Stop & Think: January 19, 2024

Integrity

Integrity is the most important thing—it develops trust. ( Condoleezza Rice, former US secretary of state)

Perhaps the most important goal of education is the developing of character in the learner. The ability to function effectively in modern society requires knowledge and skill in many areas of learning. But the value of that learning depends on whether one can be believed and trusted. So, developing a strong reputation for integrity is really essential for success.

The Lord . . .  delights in those with integrity. . . . People with integrity walk safely (Proverbs 11:20; 10:9). Joyful are people of integrity (Psalm 119:1). 

Stop & Think: January 18, 2024

Making it Work

Not having the best situation, but seeing the best in your situation is the key to happiness. (Marie Forleo, American entrepreneur)

Everyone wants to be happy. And many people work hard to arrange their lives so they can have the happiness they are seeking. It might be in job selection, the choice of a course of study, or the choice of a life partner. But Forleo suggests that whatever situation you find yourself in now provides an opportunity to work hard at making it the best possible in today’s experience.

I have learned the secret of living in every situation (Philippians 4:12).  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Stop & Think: January 17, 2024

Expectations

If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you never will change the outcome. (Michael Jordan, former professional athlete)

This is a lesson we all need to learn, and the earlier the better. Sometimes children struggle because their parents’ expectations of them are so high. Our own expectations, of course, can be a serious obstacle for our achievement. A realistic appraisal of our abilities and a careful evaluation of our expectations will help us accomplish our goals.

Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us (Romans 12:3).

Stop & Think: January 16, 2024

Mistakes

Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to the errors that counts. (Nikki Giovani, American poet and writer)

Unfortunately, Giovani is right. We do make mistakes; they are unavoidable. Some are rather minor, a grammatical error or typo, for example. Others are more serious, missing a doctor’s appointment, using erroneous data in a report—the list goes on and on. But acknowledging the error and apologizing are first steps. Taking measures to correct it where possible is next.

Indeed, we all make many mistakes (James 3:2). A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes (Ecclesiastes 10:4).

Stop & Think: January 15, 2024

Personality

Your smile is your logo. Your personality is your business card . . . (Tom Roy, sports counselor)

Roy continues, “. . . and the way you make others feel is your trademark.“ You may not actually have a business card, but as Roy suggests, the way you live your life and demonstrate your personality is like handing out a card. It may be helpful to realize that the way people think about you is more important than a printed logo or card. It will last long after the card is lost

A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit (Proverbs 15:13).

Stop & Think: January 14, 2024

Self-Worth

The lack of self-worth cannot be remedied by money, recognition, affection, attention, or influence. (Paraphrase of Gary Zukav, American teacher and author)

We’ve all known people who seem to have a very low opinion of themselves. Some of them have tried, as Zukav says, a variety of ways to raise their self-image. Very little probably works until we realize that we were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26, 27) and that gives us inestimable value. And our lives should reflect that image.

And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Stop & Think: January 13, 2024

Change

Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself. (Leo Tolstoy, Russian writer)

In this election year, many citizens are hoping for change, whether in local, state, or federal elections. We’ve already been inundated with charges, name-calling, and promises that often are hard to evaluate with our limited knowledge. Tolstoy’s comment is worthy of note. Don’t put too much hope on others to bring about change. Successful change often begins within ourselves.

I preached . . . , that all must repent of their sins and turn to God—and prove they have changed by the good things they do (Acts 26:20).