GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: September 21, 2023

Integrity

Often, if there is no risk of loss or painful consequences, one will never know if one has integrity. (Sam Storms, teacher and author)

Storms continues: “One will never know if what motivates you is moral conviction or moral convenience until you are forced to suffer loss for standing your ground or keeping your word.” We might wish it were otherwise—that people could just see our integrity without losses or difficulties to test us. So, be sure your strong character is seen when hard times come.

The LORD tested Israel as he led them through the wilderness . . . testing them to prove their character (Deuteronomy 8:2 paraphrased).  Endurance develops strength of character (Romans 5:4).

Stop & Think: September 20, 2023

Purpose

Ships are safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for. (John A. Shedd, American author and businessman)

Safety is an important factor in any venture, but it cannot be the only consideration. Shedd’s observation suggests that although it may be tempting to stay in one’s comfort zone, true success lies in taking risks and venturing outside of it. To keep a ship in harbor that has been built to withstand sea travel and equipped to carry valuable cargo would be a terrible waste.

The Lord has made everything for his own purposes (Proverbs 16:4). This message shows that God chooses people according to his own purposes (Romans 9:11).

Stop & Think: September 19, 2023

What the World Needs

Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive because the world needs people who have come alive. (Howard Thurman, 20th-century author)

“What the World Needs Now Is Love” was a popular song a few years ago, and it’s sentiment is still true, no doubt. But Thurman’s suggestion is a great challenge. If, indeed, each of us would focus on what excites us most and find ways to use that enthusiasm to benefit others in our community, there’s no telling what good we could accomplish.

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people (Ephesians 6:7). 

Stop & Think: September 18, 2023

Learning

The smartest people are those who know what they don’t know. (Keith Minier, minister)

Just imagine what it would be like today if Thomas Edison had rested on his early discoveries, feeling he already knew all that he needed to know. Probably no one in his right mind ever thinks he knows it all. And those who act like they do are usually unpopular and, probably, not very productive. Keep learning, growing, and contributing.

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

Stop & Think: September 17, 2023

Freedom

Obedience is the pathway to freedom. (Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Bible teacher and speaker)

When someone says, “You can’t do that,” we think we must try to do it anyway just to show we can. We think that freedom means we can do whatever we want without restrictions. Of course, society couldn’t survive a pervasive attitude like or that. True freedom means you are free to work within the boundaries that keep you and others safe. That’s the freedom of obedience

For you have been called to live in freedom . . .. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13).

Stop & Think: September 16, 2023

Trust

We take other men’s knowledge and opinions upon trust. (Montaigne, 16th-century French philosopher)

Montaigne regards that fact as “an idle and superficial leaning.” Why? Because, as he notes, “We must make it our own.” We can’t conduct our lives on the basis of what other people have learned or experienced. From another perspective, in matters of faith, we can’t come to God on what someone else believes. It’s necessary for us to trust God ourselves to have his blessing.

There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith (Romans 3:30).

Stop & Think: September 15, 2023

Love

Minds . . . are not conquered by arms, but by love and generosity. (Baruch Spinoza, 17th-century Dutch ethical egoist)

In times like ours, it seems like wars are the only way to settle disputes among nations. On more local terms, crime appears to be the popular way to settle personal disputes. Neither brings true and lasting peace personally or internationally. Spinoza’s suggestion is helpful in facing disagreements, individually or in communities. If we could do so, how peaceful life could be.

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare (Proverbs 15:1). Let love be your highest goal! . . .  And do everything with love. (1 Corinthians 14:1; 16:14)

Stop & Think: September 14, 2023

Truth

The simplest explanation is not always the right one, truth is very often not simple. (Sigmund Freud Austrian neurologist)

We like to jokingly tell speakers and writers, “KISS (keep it simple, stupid).” It’s a great idea, but truth isn’t always that simple. Try to explain a difficult math theory or put a deep theological truth in simple terms. The thoroughly trained mathematician or theologian can help. But there is a direct source of important truth available.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. . ..  Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. (John 16:13; 17:17)

Stop & Think: September 13, 2023

Remembering

Those who receive with most pains and difficulty, remember best. (Plutarch, ancient Greek philosopher)

He continued: “Every new thing they learn, being, as it were, burnt and branded in on their minds.” It’s not an idea we really want to think about a lot. Nobody wants to experience pain and suffering, but we realize that it’s those events we don’t forget.  If we can capitalize on the lessons learned through those incidents, we will grow and improve.

I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. (Lamentations 3:20-22).

Stop & Think: September 12, 2023

A Hard Life

When I hear somebody sigh, “Life is hard,” I am always tempted to ask, “Compared to what?” (Sydney J. Harris, 20th-century American journalist)

At times we probably all think that life is hard. Problems on the job, serious health concerns, financial woes, and much more. All can make life very difficult. We must take them seriously, of course, and work hard to alleviate the difficult issues. But if we have a job, follow good medical counsel, make sound financial plans, we can overcome the hard times and be at peace.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance (Romans 5:3).

Stop & Think: September 11, 2023

Your Legacy

When you hope to be remembered, please note: you may not be remembered for what you hoped. (Author unknown)

Many people will likely have their “15 minutes of fame.” While some would shy away from any publicity; others would like to be remembered. The question is: remembered for what? Actress Carrie Hamilton put it this way: “Our legacy is really the lives we touch, the inspiration we give, altering someone’s plan, if even for a moment, and getting them to think, cry, laugh, argue.”

How joyful are those who fear the Lord . . .. They share freely and give generously to those in need.  Their good deeds will be remembered forever. (Psalm 112:1, 9) 

Stop & Think: September 10, 2023

Friends

The love of my life is the love between friends. (Source Unknown)

There are many ways to describe love and to express this strong emotion. Romantic love often leads to a lifetime commitment of marriage, and many would testify that their spouse is not only the love of their life but their very best friend. Others realize that there is a bond between close friends that is an unusually strong support in life’s trials and difficulties. Friends are invaluable.

A friend is always loyal . . .. The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. Proverbs 17:17; 27:9)