GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

January 5, 2013

STOP AND THINK They dread the idea of going against the current of the times. In a word, the opinion of the day becomes their religion, their creed, their Bible, and their God. (From J. C Ryle: Dangers For Young Men)

Ryle was writing about a fear of others’ opinions. So often we are unduly influenced by others to disregard our own thinking and training to pursue what might please others. But the ideas of men change with the times, and there doesn’t seem to be a solid, unchanging basis for truth. So, let the truth God has given us in His Word and in His Son guide your life.
 
Jesus: ‘For this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37)

January 4, 2013

STOP AND THINK Beware of fretting, murmuring, complaining, and giving way to an impatient spirit. The lessons that we learn on a sick-bed, when we are shut out from the world, are often lessons which we should never learn elsewhere. (Author unknown)

These statements were written as a summary of thoughts on what sickness is meant to accomplish, implying that it’s not simply incidental or accidental. Complaining certainly doesn’t make us feel better when we’re sick, but an open and eager mind can make even our down times valuable learning experiences. 
 
Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered. (Hebrews 5:8)

January 3, 2013

STOP AND THINK Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average. Which means you've met your New Year's resolution. (Jay Leno, American humorist)

Well, that’s one way to look at it. But should we be satisfied with being average? Are our New Year’s resolutions or, more importantly, our goals in life merely to be average? Shouldn’t we be striving to be and do better? Let’s establish a few realistic, positive projects for this year and determine to do our very best.
 
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed. (2 Timothy 2:15)

January 2, 2013

STOP AND THINK We have opened the book of 2013; it’s called Opportunity. The first chapter was yesterday, New Year’s Day. The year’s pages are blank. We are going to put words on each page ourselves. (Paraphrased from Edith Lovejoy Pierce, poet, 1904-1983)

When you think that we write our own chapters in life, are you hopeful or fearful about this new year? True, circumstances and other people have influence, but we make the choices. So, be careful to make good choices, to write clearly and positively on the pages of 2013.
 
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! (Proverbs 16:16)

January 1, 2013

STOP AND THINK New Year's Day is every man's birthday. (Charles Lamb, English essayist, 1775-1834)

On our birthdays we look back at the past, grateful for what has been achieved, but eager for the next year. So it is with the beginning of each new year: we’re hopeful for good health, better relationships, and exciting new opportunities. This year, let’s focus on the future.
 
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal. (Philippians 3:13-14)

December 31, 2012

STOP AND THINK New Year's Eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe . . . and yet no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on other nights. (Hamilton Wright Mabie, American essayist, editor, and critic) 

It’s true, isn’t it? Except for the revelry and parties New Year’s Eve is like every other night. There are just six hours between 6:00 p.m. and midnight—and six hours from then until 6:00 a.m. The earth continues its revolutions; there will still be just 24 hours in the day and seven days in the week. These constants should remind us of the God who created time—and us.
 
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalm 19:1)

December 30, 2012

STOP AND THINK Security in 2013 will come from God and not from our new year’s resolutions.

No matter how clever our resolutions or how good our intentions, we really can’t know what the New Year will hold or how we will react to its events. We cannot be satisfied with our ability to foresee what’s coming and be assured we can handle it. Better to put our confidence in the One who knows the future.
 
But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. 
(Jeremiah 17:7)

December 29, 2012

STOP AND THINK A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. (Anonymous)

We’re approaching the end of the year, and some people are probably thinking about making some resolutions for 2013. Isn’t that a waste of time? We rarely keep them very long, and yet we persist in thinking we can stick with the new goals we set.
 
It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. (Ecclesiastes 5:5)

December 28, 2012

STOP AND THINK By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. (Confucius)

No doubt, we’ve all learned by all three of those methods. And some of those learning experiences have been very difficult, haven’t they? Why do we refuse to think before we act, to copy only those who are truly wise? When we don’t, we have to learn by sad experience. But there is another way.
 
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)

December 27, 2012

STOP AND THINK Next to a circus there ain't nothing that packs up and tears out faster than the Christmas spirit. (Kin Hubbard, American humorist and journalist)

It’s unfortunately true, isn’t it? The sentiment of peace and good will is often lost in the business of life after Christmas—the return to work and study, the end of gift-giving and festive celebrations. How much better it would be if we could prolong the spirit of love, grace, and hope.
 
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)

December 25, 2012

STOP AND THINK I heard the bells on Christmas Day. Their old, familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good will to men! (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

Yes, this is the day that has changed the world. Even our calendars are arranged because of Christmas. (B.C. – “before Christ”; A.D. – “Anno Domini” [the year of our Lord]). But, far more important, it is the day when we celebrate the birth of the Savior.
 
Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)

December 24, 2012

STOP AND THINK He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. (Roy L. Smith, American clergyman)

Tomorrow is the big day for many, but others will celebrate tonight, Christmas Eve. But Smith’s comment is important to consider whether you find gifts under the tree tonight or tomorrow. Earthly gifts are only temporary; they will waste away. But God’s heavenly gift is to be enjoyed by faith eternally.
 
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)