GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: September 8, 2023

Worldview

I believe in Christ, like I believe in the sun – not because I can see it, but by it I can see everything else. (C. S. Lewis. British apologist)

Everyone has a worldview. People see the world and make judgments about it on the basis of their assumptions and ideas, which may come from family values, education, or associations. Viewpoints may be mistaken, but everything we see is judged by our personal standards. How critically important it is, then, that we learn to see the world from the basis of revealed truth.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” . . .. Jesus to God the Father, “Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth” (John 14:6; 17:17).

Stop & Think: September 7, 2023

Justice

Being unjust is far more damaging to the moral structure of a person’s character than enduring the slings and arrows of injustice. (Quoted in Hillsdale College paper)

We hear a lot about injustice today. Some complain they are being treated unjustly when they are confronted with truth that is contrary to their behavior. The person of integrity who tries to treat everyone fairly is sometimes accused of bias and prejudice. Those accusations are hard to bear, but it is far better to accept and withstand them than to be involved in an unjust retort.

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied (Matthew 5:6). Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed (Proverbs 31:8).

Stop & Think: September 6, 2023

Get a Grip

I have to rate a faulty grip as the most common cause of bad golf. (Tommy Bolt, late professional golfer)

Whether play-for-pay or merely weekend duffers, golfers are always looking for ways to improve their game. Slicing, hooking, or landing in sand traps—all are reasons to look for improvement. Bolt says it’s all about how you hold the club. It’s a lot like life, isn’t it? If we have the right grip on our attitude, hopes, and expectations, life is much better.

Stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

Stop & Think: September 5, 2023

All the Answers

Let us beware of always wanting to be the people with the answers. (Alistair Begg, pastor)

Have you ever been in a conversation with several people when one dominates the discussion, because he “has all the answers”? Irritating, isn’t it? Often that person finds it necessary to correct others and has to have the final word. Even married couples have had to learn how to deal with this issue so they can have mutual respect and learning.

A truly wise person uses few words (Proverbs 17:27). Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them (Ephesians 4:29).

Stop & Think: September 4, 2023

Leaders

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. (John Maxwell, leadership author and speaker)

Leaders are often people who have been followers of strong leaders. They have not only heard what their mentor said, but they have seen him follow closely the path that he envisioned for others. And he or she did more. They showed the way, taught by example, and involved their followers in the work along the way.

If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously (Romans 12:8)

Stop & Think: September 3, 2023

Purpose

Once you discover your purpose . . . practice makes purpose. (Tom Roy, coach and author)

People ask, “Why am I here?” “What’s my purpose in life?” Whatever you’re aiming for, it will take diligent practice to be successful. We are told that practice makes perfect, but the truth is that practice only makes permanent, and poor practice won’t help you accomplish your goal. Find God’s purpose for your life and “practice” it every day.

The Lord has made everything for his own purposes (Proverbs 16:4). Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts (1 Thessalonians 2:4). 

Stop & Think: September 2, 2023

Quiet

Truths are quiet; lies are loud. (Anthony Douglas Williams, Canadian writer)

Today it’s hard to find a quiet place, isn’t it? Finding a place to enjoy a cup of coffee in a quiet atmosphere seems to be becoming more and more difficult. And what is all the noise about? It isn’t always lies, of course, but haven’t you noticed that sometimes in the middle of cacophony, a quiet voice often is heard speaking compelling truth.

Better to hear the quiet words of a wise person than the shouts of a foolish king (Ecclesiastes 9:17).

Stop & Think: September 1, 2023

Summer Vacation

Take vacation. Wallets refill. Clocks don’t rewind. (Joshua Becker, American writer and author)

Summer is vacation time. But some think vacations are too expensive. So, they spend their money on less expensive ventures. And then there are hard workers who just don’t have the time; there’s just too much to do. The truth is that we all need time away to be restored and refreshed.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

Stop & Think: August 31, 2023

Relax!

Your long checklists for golf and life can be replaced with this simple guideline. Relax. Be at Ease! (Jim Sheard and Wally Armstrong, golf writers)

While watching professional golfers play their game, you are constantly amazed at the apparent ease they show in making what appear to be almost impossible shots. It may be a really tense time as they near the end of a match, but they still appear not to feel the pressure. The advice for them and for us in the tough “matches” of life is simply “relax!”

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

Stop & Think: August 30, 2023

Friends

You only meet your once-in-a-lifetime friend… once in a lifetime. (Little Rascals, animated cartoon)

We may have a lot of friends, people that are more than mere acquaintances, but not really close. Friends with whom we could share anything and can trust to keep a confidence. But we don’t have to be limited to just one. We occasionally might become close to someone and note that they are “My newest best friend.” Thank God for the really wonderful life-time friends!

Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable? . . .  a real friend sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 20:6; 18:24)

Stop & Think: August 29, 2023

Losing?

You learn more from losing than winning. You learn how to keep going. (Morgan Wooten, late highly successful high school basketball coach)

No one likes to lose. It’s not just a matter of pride. We often have really good intentions but sometimes we lose or we don’t reach our intended goal. But as many coaches could tell you, you won’t have much success if you just give up. Quite often you can learn something from the failed attempt that will be the key your future success.

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Stop & Think: August 28, 2023

Worship

It’s better to sit in a bar thinking about God than in church thinking about beer. (African saying)

It may sound trite, but it is a challenging observation. Do we sometimes find ourselves sitting in a church service with our minds drafting into areas of thought and memory that are completely unrelated to the importance of the moment? It’s far better to enter into a worship service expectantly, enjoying the blessing of our active participation in the worship.

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name . . . worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness (1 Chronicles 16:29).