Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK A joy that is shared is a joy that is doubled. (John Ray, 17th century English naturalist)

There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind. (C. S. Lewis, British Christian apologist))

Because we can’t see into the future, we sometimes are afraid to think about it or to imagine what lies ahead. Yet, we can’t hang on to the past; we must work hard to prepare for the future and expect the good that lies ahead.

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me. (Philippians 3:13-14)

If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere. (Frank A. Clark, 20^th century writer and cartoonist)

We all discovered early on that life isn’t just one long, smooth road. In fact, we’ve faced all kinds of problems and difficulties—most of which gave us wonderful opportunities for learning. We may follow many paths but we do well to seek the one that leads to a life of fulfillment and service. 

Let us go up to the mountain of the LORD. . . . He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths. (Isaiah 2:3)

I am a slow walker, but I never walk backwards. (Abraham Lincoln)

“Slow and steady wins the race,” they say. But unless it’s a childhood game, walking backwards doesn’t win. It’s steadfastness, consistency, persistence in the right direction and in the right task that wins in the end.

Let us throw off everything that hinders . . . and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1)

Appreciation can make a day—even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary. (Margaret Cousins, early 20^th century political activist)

It’s easy to criticize, to make judgments, and correct others in their errors. That might be of some help in the educational process, but how much better it is to motivate a learner with words of encouragement and appreciation.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. (Proverbs 25:11)

If you tell people where to go, but not how to get there, you’ll be amazed at the results. (George Patton, U.S. Army general in World War II)

They’re called “micro-managers,” the people who are controllers by nature. They not only tell you what to do or where to go but detail for us how to get there. The result may be exactly what the boss intended, but how much better the result might have been if the doer had been trained and then encouraged to exercise his own judgment and skills.

And the things you have heard me say . . . entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2:2)

Hatred can be communicated in one sentence. Love has to be lived out. (John Shirk, contemporary American poet)

A hateful thought or word can be expressed in an instant of time, but the effects will be long-lasting. Love, on the other hand, can be thought and expressed in a moment, but it takes a long and persistent commitment to be realized and effective.

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. (Proverbs 10:12)

Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone. (Charley Brown in Peanuts) 

Three weeks from today millions around the world will celebrate Christmas. This time of year the “Christmas spirit” pervades our hearts, and we want to do kind and generous things for people. It’s a noble sentiment, but it is only a mere suggestion of the season’s real meaning. 

If you . . . know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:11)

The value of achievement lies in the achieving. (Albert Einstein, influential 20th century physicist)

Another way of saying it: “The value of work is the working.” Whatever the accomplishment, honest work is important and is its own reward. According to the Bible, man was created to work, and, in doing so, he most honors his Creator.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for [God], not for men. (Colossians 3:23)

Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants. (Epicurus, 4^th century B.C. Greek philosopher)

For many in the more affluent societies of the world, the mindset seems to be that having more is a guarantee for happiness. But real wealth is not about what you have in material things but rather what you have in character and integrity. Then, you can be satisfied without wanting more and more.

Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. (Ecclesiastes 5:10)

Life is an echo; what you send out comes back. (Chinese proverb)

We probably do not fully understand what influence our lives have on others. What we say and do don’t just reflect what we really are, but we may see that reflection in the way others respond to us. Be careful then, how we live.

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (Proverbs 4:23)

Happiness is a spiritual need. And if it's a spiritual need, the filling of that need can only come from God. (Mike Lee, American pastor)

We delight in our right to “pursue happiness.” Yet, happiness is often elusive, difficult to find and hold onto. Jesus spoke about happy people in Matthew 5; He called them “blessed,” which can be understood as “happy.” You can find your happiness in a relationship with God.

But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. (Psalm 68:3)