GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: February 28, 2023

Friend 3

The most beautiful discovery that true friends can make is that they can grow separately without growing apart. (Elizabeth Foley, Attorney)

Sometimes we find it difficult to move away from home, leaving friends behind. We feel as if we’re losing some important part of our life. When children make such a move, they may form new friendships easily, forgetting most of the former ones. But, as Foley suggests, if our friendship has been deep and meaningful, separation will not diminish the relationship.

A friend is always loyal. … The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. … As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (Proverbs 17:17; 27:9, 17)

Stop & Think: February 27, 2023

Friends 2

A world without a friend, what would it be? (Christy Boyd, writer)

Boyd answers her own question: “It would be like a world without water, something you need.” She continues: “Friends are like glass, once broken, they are hard to fix.” Her challenge: “Keep your friends, as you would keep your water.” Avoid a lonely life; honor and keep your friends!

A wise person wins friends. … A friend is always loyal. (Proverbs 11:30; 17:17) 

Stop & Think: February 26, 2023

Friends 1

A circle is round; it has no end; that’s how long I want to be your friend! (Make New Friends)

These song lyrics begin with “Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver, the other is gold.” We’ve heard of “fair weather friends,” who stick close to you when things are going well but move away if it might cost something to stay close. Making new friends is good, of course, but keep them close for a long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationship.

There are friends who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). 

Stop & Think: February 25, 2023

Fame

When you hope to be remembered, please note: you may not be remembered for what you hoped. (Kenneth J. Brown, author)

Have you hoped for your “15 minutes of fame,” perhaps appearing on “Wheel of Fortune” or in a newspaper note of some community accomplishment. Brown suggests that sometimes we are noted for other things. They might be a DUI arrest or some hidden faux pas in the past we had forgotten about. But when you live a life of integrity, you will be noticed for all the right things.

People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed (Proverbs 10:9).

Stop & Think: February 24, 2023

Injustice

We are to drive a spoke into the wheel [of injustice] itself. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 20th century author and World War II martyr)

Bonhoeffer began this challenge, writing: “We are not to simply bandage the wounds of victims beneath the wheels of injustice.” Helping those who are suffering through unfair and cruel treatment is important, of course. But we should also stive to alleviate their pain and restore justice. To defeat such cruel treatment, we must work to bring it to a lasting end.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed (Proverbs 31:8).

Stop & Think: February 23, 2023

Love?

I have feelings too. I am human. All I want is to be loved for myself. (Marilyn Monroe, late movie star)

This is the lament of a woman who attained stardom in the entertainment world and was idolized by millions. Such adulation, however, did not fill the void in her life. In spite of—and maybe because of—her films that were all about a mistaken understanding of love, she missed what genuine love could give her. We would all do well to focus on that God-given love that satisfies.

Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39)

Stop & Think: February 22, 2023

Revenge

Revenge is a two-edged sword. (Aesop’s Fables)

Aesop’s simple statement is a warning against the practice of revenge, trying to get even with someone who has offended you. Marcus Aurelius in the 2nd century A.D. offers a better solution to controversy: “The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.“ We’re never satisfied with getting even, wanting to hurt our offender more. Leave revenge to a just God.

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God (Romans 12:19).

Stop & Think: February 21, 2023

One Another

The best thing to hold onto in life is each other. (Audrey Hepburn, 20th century British actress)

Life was never intended to be lived alone. In the very beginning, God created a man and a woman and told them to establish a long-lasting family. In a series of “one anothers,” the Bible repeatedly urges people to live, serve, and work together. And, of course, holding on to the God who created the family is even more important.

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another (1 Peter 4:10).

Stop & Think: February 20, 2023

Anger

Be patient and calm; no one can catch a fish with anger. (Herbert Hoover, 31st U.S. president)

Being President during the Great Depression must have been very difficult. Political voices and actions were anything but peaceful (much like today!). The fisherman who stirs up the water will scare away the fish. Likewise, in life patience and calm will go much further toward finding solutions than shouting and shoving.

Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. (Psalm 4:4) … Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool. (Ecclesiastes 7:9) 

Stop & Think: February 19, 2023

Hope

Courage is like life; it must have hope for nourishment. (Napoleon Bonaparte, 18th-19th century French Revolution military commander)

It’s an interesting comparison, isn’t it? When life is tough and disappointments almost overcome you, just a little bit of genuine hope can see you through. Likewise, hope can replace fear as you face life’s challenges. But hope must have some sense of reality, not based on wishful thinking but on God’s Word as a rich source of hope and courage.

So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord! (Psalm 31:24). … This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. (Hebrews 6:19)

Stop & Think: February 18, 2023

Wise Counsel

Be kind to unkind people. They need it the most. (Ashleigh Brilliant, author and cartoonist)

You might see the slogan, “Be Kind” on T-shirts, banners, and coffee cups. It’s a good reminder in a sometimes unkind world. We usually respond to people in the same way they treat us. If they’re friendly, we respond with a smile. But, if they treat us unkindly, we might resort to “an eye for an eye” kind of behavior. Let’s join the trend. Wear your “Be Kind” T-shirt proudly.

See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people (1 Thessalonians 5:15). 

Stop & Think: February 17, 2023

Simple Freedoms

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature, and God. (Anne Frank, from her World War II diary)

You can easily understand how Anne Frank, a house-bound victim of war, could appreciate going outside. She must have remembered more pleasant days when, as a young girl, she had the freedom to enjoy nature. Living in a cramped attic with family and other refugees surely gave her an appreciation for being alone, too. A lesson for all of us: enjoy your freedoms now.

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)