Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – The price of greatness is responsibility. (Winston Churchill, World War II British leader)

Like Helen Keller, Churchill realized that you have to diligently care for those things that are your responsibility. He served in a variety of positions in English government, and his doggedness related to the details in the area of his responsibilities led the nation to wartime victory and achieved worldwide recognition of his greatness.

Jesus: “[You should follow] the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.” (Matthew 23:23)

STOP AND THINK – I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble. (Helen Keller)

The ambition to accomplish great things is probably in the heart of most young people. And Helen Keller certainly did make such achievements. But the recognition of what she called her “chief duty” no doubt made it possible for her to achieve greatness. It would be good for all of us to approach all our tasks and responsibilities as noble and worthy in themselves.

Finally … whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

STOP AND THINK – It is difficult for many of us in this modern, electronic age to comprehend that prayer is a miracle. It is not a technical procedure. (St. Teresa of Avila)

Modern communication has become so convenient that we may have forgotten entirely about the most miraculous means of communicating ever: prayer. It seems almost miraculous that we can Skype with someone on the other side of the world. But never forget we can talk with God instantly from anyplace and in every circumstance.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer (1 Peter 3:12). . . . in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6)

STOP AND THINK – It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye. (Antoine de Saint Exupery, 20th century French aristocrat and writer)

There is more to life than meets the eye, isn’t there? We can’t see another person’s thoughts, for example, or know his intentions apart from his words or actions. But we can understand the realities of relationships and love by seeing something beyond what our physical eyes can see. It’s a compatibility of heart and mind that gives life its clearest understanding.

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. (1 Peter 1:22)

STOP AND THINK – The chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken. (Warren Buffett, American businessman and investor)

It begins with just one incident and then is repeated a time or two. We could probably stop at any time, but then we keep repeating it until no amount of effort can break the habit. It has become an addiction, a practice we can no longer control. But, it doesn’t have to be an evil habit. Good practices can become unbroken habits, too. They are the ones we should work at.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

STOP AND THINK – You can make good time or make time good. (Quoted by Mike Lee, American pastor)

In a time-conscious world, we always seem to be rushing here or there. We want to “make good time” wherever we’re going or make good use of our time when we tackle a project. Time is consistent; we can’t improve on its pace, but we can work hard to make good use of it, so it results in a “good time.”

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed. (2 Timothy 2:15)

STOP AND THINK – There is great meaning in life for those who are willing to journey. (Jim England)

One of man’s great questions is “What is the meaning of life?” At some time or another we all ask ourselves, “What am I here for”? Well, it’s like finding out what you’re good at. You will never discover your gifts and talents sitting still. You have to try things, move out and experiment. Life will become meaningful when you step out and discover your place.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

STOP AND THINK – I think I began learning long ago that those who are happiest are those who do the most for others. (Booker T. Washington, 19 and 20th century African-American educator)

“Looking out for No. 1” might well online casinos describe the attitude of many in our society today. Self-aggrandizement and catering to one’s personal desires seem to be the primiary means to be happy. But, as many have discovered, Washington was right. Serving and helping others brings greater fulfillment than serving oneself exclusively.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace. (1 Peter 4:10)

STOP AND THINK – Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day. (Henri Nouwen, 20th century Dutch-born Catholic priest)

Waiting around for joy to “happen” is a fruitless waste of time. You don’t just get it by accident nor can you expect it to stay with you unceasingly. Like so many things in life, we have to make choices. We can choose to be morose, hoping that something external will bring us joy, or we can determine to find joy in God’s provision.

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 – The winds of grace are always blowing; but you have to raise the sail. (Orj Ramakrishna, medical practitioner in New South Wales)

In the physical realm or the area of business practice you would do well to discover where things are going well or where business is flourishing and get involved there. You have to take the initiative and not wait for it to come to you. In the spiritual realm, the same principle applies. God’s grace is offered freely, but you have to choose to accept it.

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. (Titus 2:11)

STOP AND THINK – True happiness is … to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future. (Seneca, 1st century B.C. Roman stoic philosopher)

Some people seem to live in the past, always longing for “the good ole days.” Others are occupied with hopes for the future, “I can’t wait until (fill in the blank). Neither perspective will give much satisfaction, because we can’t live in the past or the future. All we have is right now. We’d do better to make the present the focus of our attention and effort.

Jesus said that those who sacrifice for him “will [not] fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age … and in the age to come eternal life.” (Mark 10:30-31)

STOP AND THINK – Peace is the ability to wait patiently in spite of panic brought on by uncertainty. (Charles Swindoll, American pastor and author)

We sometimes think of peace as perfect tranquility in an ideal setting: sunshine, blue skies, cool breezes by the sea, etc. In reality, however, what we really long for is that calmness that comes when everything else is in turmoil, not peaceful at all. It is well illustrated by the picture of a bird on her nest on a rock in the midst of the crashing seas and high winds.

Jesus: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)