Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – One can acquire everything in solitude — except character. (Henri Stendahl, 19th century French writer)

Is Stendahl’s statement true? Why can’t you develop character when you’re all by yourself? The key word is “develop.” Character is not an innate quality; it must be developed over time and through testing. To be a person of character, you have to experience life, responding to its challenges with honesty and integrity.

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon. (Psalm 92:12)

STOP AND THINK – That blessed Book, in the days of health, is too often left on the shelf … But sickness often brings it down from the shelf and throws new light on its pages. (J. C. Ryle, 19th century Anglican Bishop)

Ryle’s observation is true of too many homes where the Bible, once revered and frequently read and studied, is now rarely opened. Perhaps that’s the reason its principles for godly living seem to be ignored in modern life. But, when misfortune hits, we often turn once again to the comforting words of Holy Scripture. This year, open the Book before tragedy strikes.

The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:130)

STOP AND THINK – Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19th century American essayist)

Was Emerson right? Well, perhaps, if you’re an optimist. The positive-thinker sees everyday as ripe with opportunity and achievement, while “Gloomy Gus” sees the problems ahead and the obstacles to his achieving anything worthwhile. Remember, there are only a few things we can control, and one is our attitude. Begin today, thinking it will be the very best.

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

STOP AND THINK – Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man. (Benjamin Franklin, a founding father of the USA)

Well, did yesterday find you a better person than you were in 2013? If not, now is the earliest date you can begin to change things so that on January 1, 2015, you will be a better person. What will it take to improve? Better intentions? Perseverance? Higher goals? How about seeking a trusted friend who can work with you for the improvement of both of you?

The pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice. (Proverbs 27:9)

STOP AND THINK – An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. (Bill Vaughan, 20th century American colonist and author)

Vaughan’s observation is worth thinking about on this last day of 2013. How do you face the New Year? Was 2013 a disappointment and you want to be sure its problems are gone? Or, are you so eager to see what lies ahead that you won’t be able to sleep tonight? Well, you can be sure the New Year will arrive tonight, so ask God to prepare you for whatever it may bring.

Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. (Matthew 6:34) Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)

STOP AND THINK – It wouldn’t be New Year’s if I didn’t have regrets. (William Thomas, journalist)

As we begin a new year, it’s a good time to look back over 2013 to discover ways we can do better in the New Year. Almost certainly, we’ll have some regrets from the last 12 months; not everything went as we had hoped. But we must not let that discourage us as we approach January 1. Look ahead with hope.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope. (Romans 15:13)

STOP AND THINK – One of the most encouraging things about new years, new weeks, and new days is the word “new.” (Charles Swindoll, American pastor and author)

This is the final week of 2013. Soon, we’ll be trying to remember to put “14” instead of “13” on our letters and checks. Perhaps there are other changes awaiting us in the New Year, but as Swindoll suggests, we should be encouraged by the fact that it’s “new.” Gone are the old days; gone is the past. We enter a new era with prospects of change for the good.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

STOP AND THINK – There’s absolutely no reason to be rushed along with the rush. (Robert Frost, renowned American poet)

Well, the holiday rush is almost over—just one more holiday next week. We talk about “rush hour” to and from work. Life often seems to be one big rush, doesn’t it? But, it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, we’d be much better off physically, mentally, and emotionally, if we’d slow down, avoid the rush, enjoy some rest, and recharge our inner batteries.

Jesus: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me . . . and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

STOP AND THINK – Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. (Author unknown)

“Dream the Impossible Dream,” a song from a popular musical, has probably inspired a lot of people to dream big, to think about the difficult in an attempt to gain success. But dreaming won’t make it happen. You have to step out of your comfort zone and attempt to fulfill your dream. It begins with a choice, followed by stepping out to reach that vision.

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. (Proverbs 16:3)

STOP AND THINK – Christmas is not just a day … It is a spirit that should permeate every part of our lives (William Parks, 18th century publisher and journalist).

It’s the day after. Has the Christmas spirit evaporated? The excitement and anticipation all gone? How sad! If giving, gratitude, and love are elements of the Christmas spirit, shouldn’t they continue through the whole year? In gratitude for the greatest gift at Christmas and the hope it provides, let’s maintain a spirit of love and joy all year.

Jesus: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11)

STOP AND THINK – Remembrance, like a candle, burns brightest at Christmas (Charles Dickens, noted British author)

Christmas brings many memories of past holidays when family gathered and gifts were exchanged in love. But, it would be a travesty to forget the origin of the holiday. We must remember that it was God’s intervention in history by the sending of Jesus that occasions our celebrating today.

That gift provides for life eternal through faith in Him.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. (John 3:16)

STOP AND THINK – Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas. (Dale Evans)

Since last Christmas, the kids have been looking forward to the Big Day tomorrow. Their parents are trying to teach them about having a loving, giving spirit on more than just one day a year. The kids are excited about the gifts they hope to receive in the morning, but let all of us help them, not only to enjoy the day, but to learn that we give because we love.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)