STOP AND THINK – The great end of life is not knowledge but action. (Thomas Henry Huxley, 19th century English scientist)
In response, someone has written, “Knowledge is an essential pre-requisite without which no meaningful action is possible.” There must be more to life than mere knowledge, however. What we know should motivate us to pursue good and to validate the purposes for which we were created.
All who are prudent act with knowledge. (Proverbs 13:16)
GOD OF HOPE – If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly. (G. K. Chesterton, 20th century English writer)
Now, that’s a switch on the usual adage, isn’t it? It’s usually said that if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well. So, which is it? You can look at it either way. If you can’t do a project perfectly, shouldn’t you do it anyway if it’s a worthy project? However you look at it, you should always do your very best, striving for excellence even if the result isn’t perfect
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. (Colossians 3:23)
STOP AND THINK – In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us. (Flora Edwards author)
In an ideal world, this would certainly be true. How pleasant it would be to know that whatever good we did would result in more good—not only for us, but for many in the “circle.” At least, we should always do our part to start the circle with helpful and good actions toward others.
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
GOD OF HOPE – By fasting, the body learns to obey the soul; by praying the soul learns to command the body. (William Secker)
Prayer and fasting are practices pursued by people who are spiritually minded. Fasting is denying yourself something you really like to eat or do in order to focus more completely on an even better purpose. Often, it’s prayer. Prayer, then, is the practice of communicating with God, a two-way experience that enables you to pursue worthy goals in your life.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer. (1 Peter 3:12)
GOD OF HOPE – Light tomorrow with today. (Elizabeth Barrett Browning, 19th century English poet of the Victorian Era)
It is true that we can’t know what tomorrow will bring. But, as Browning suggests, we can anticipate and be somewhat prepared for what tomorrow will bring if we learn from “the light” of today’s lessons. We can anticipate good things in the future if we fill our hearts and minds with the good things of today.
Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable . . . think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)
GOD OF HOPE – There are no limitations in what you can do except the limitations of your own mind. (Darwin P. Kinsley, 20th century American business leader)
That’s a pretty high-sounding claim, isn’t it? Can anyone really achieve his highest aspirations if his only limits are on his imagination? Well, it is very likely true that most of us have limited ourselves by an unwillingness to dream big. We do need to think positively and creatively if we are to accomplish our highest goals.
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27)
GOD OF HOPE – – The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes. (Marcel Proust, 19th-20th century French novelist)
Sometimes we become so accustomed to our environment that we take it all for granted, failing to see anything new in it. Looking at our circumstances with fresh eyes is like having cataract surgery: a hazy mist Europa casino en ligne tambien cuenta con un servicio de atencion al cliente de 24 horas al dia en el caso de tener cualquier tipo de incidencia relacionada con el casino o sobre un juego especifico. is lifted, and everything looks bright and new. If we can look around us with fresh eyes, we may discover vistas of hopeful discovery.
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. (Psalm 119:18) Jesus: “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” (John 4:35)
GOD OF HOPE – – Chance encounters often create magical opportunities for joy, understanding, and personal growth. (Chelle Thompson, Editor of Inspiration Line)
Thompson continues the thought, “The key here is to stay open … for even the most incredible sunbeam cannot pierce a wall of stone.” It seems that we are often closed to new encounters, meeting someone new, or coming across a new idea. Yet, it’s through those un-expected events that open new opportunities for advancement. Let’s look for them.
Be very careful, then, how you live . . . making the most of every opportunity. (Ephesians 5:15, 16)
GOD OF HOPE – – It”s not only children who grow. Parents do too. (Joyce Maynard, 20th-21st century American author)
Maynard goes on to write, “As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours.” If our children are slow to Jackpot 6000 on yksi online kasino Euron suosituimmista pelikoneista. progress intellectually, perhaps it’s because they don’t see us in the pursuit of learning. If they’re not maturing well, maybe it says something about our behavior. Let’s get our own act together.
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will . . . so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord . . . growing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:9, 10)
GOD OF HOPE – You have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens. (Louise Hay, 20th century American motivational author)
Some of us are subject to self-criticism. Our self image is low, and we don’t feel we have any self-worth. As a result, we aren’t very positive about our work, and we don’t feel we can contribute to society. What a shame! The Bible tells us we are created in the image of God. Wow! That’s some worth. Let’s learn to acknowledge that truth and live accordingly.
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment . . . Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. (1 Peter 3:3, 4)
GOD OF HOPE – The presence of hope in the invincible sovereignty of God drives out fear. (John Piper, American preacher and author)
What makes you feel secure? Where have you put your hope? In retirement funds? Savings accounts? Possessions? An inheritance? A lot of people find their security in such things and live in fear of losing them. While we ought to be careful to ensure a secure future for our families, ultimate security must come from God, because life itself is uncertain.
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God. (1 Timothy 6:17)
GOD OF HOPE – Nothing is useful which is not honest. (Benjamin Franklin, early American diplomat)
In a day when “might makes right” and “the end justifies the means,” a maxim like Franklin’s seems old-fashioned and out of place. Yet, in contrast to much modern thinking, truth is not determined by circumstance or time. It is objective and timeless. Lasting value and usefulness are the results of honest endeavor.
Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right. (Proverbs 16:13)