Daily Stop & Thinks

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)

STOP AND THINK – Cautious, careful people, always looking about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform. (Susan B. Anthony, 19th-20th century civil rights leader)

If you want to help bring about change, whether it’s in the workplace, the community, or any other area of life, you must be willing to face opposition. Your standing in the community might be lessened, and your reputation damaged. But if the cause is right, you will have to face those losses with the courage to rise above the criticism.

Be strong and very courageous. … Do not turn from [my law] to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. (Joshua 1:7)

STOP AND THINK – Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement. (Charles F. Kettering, 20th century American inventor)

The road to success is never a clear path without obstacles and difficulties—even failures. But failures should be seen as opportunities to learn from our mistakes—to correct them and to improve our methods. What we learn will help us to make good progress toward the accomplishment of our goals.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

STOP AND THINK – The goal of compassion is not to care because someone is like us but to care because they are themselves. (Mary Lou Randour, author)

It’s easy to like the people who are like us, people with the same heritage, background, and worldview. When one of “us” has a need, we feel compassion and try to help. But, what about those who aren’t like us? When we recognize that all people are created in the image of God, it demands that we acknowledge their value and try to help even those who are not like us.

Therefore … clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)

STOP AND THINK – To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage. (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19th century American essayist)

Do you believe that? Why should following your own, carefully designed plan demand courage? Emerson also wrote, “Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone who will tell you that you are wrong.” You must have the courage of your convictions, believe that your plan is a good one and that you have the ability to carry it to completion.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (Proverbs 16:3)

STOP AND THINK – Until you have learned to be tolerant with those who do not always agree with you … you will be neither successful nor happy. (Napoleon Hill, American author, writing on success)

We are urged today to be tolerant, to be understanding and supportive of everyone, no matter how unconventional their conduct and lifestyle. Why? Because all human beings are created in the image of God and, therefore, have infinite value. We may not approve of another’s conduct, but we should reach out to help them become all that God intended them to be.

God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness” … So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them. (Genesis 1:26-27)

STOP AND THINK – There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread. — Mother Teresa

We are often made aware of the material poverty in the world—people lacking the resources to provide adequate food, clothing, and housing for their family. Mother Teresa, who is noted for her ministry to the impoverished, reminds us, however, that spiritual poverty is even Online Gambling more widespread. We must work to relieve those who lack loving relationships and hope.

Do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:31-33)