Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – The greatest motivational act one person can do for another is to listen. (Roy E. Moody, late motivational speaker)

Listening is mostly a lost art. Even when someone is speaking to us—perhaps pouring out his or her heart—we’re often mentally phrasing our response instead of really hearing what is being said. Let’s make an attempt to listen and really hear our friend’s heart. That will likely mean more to them than any advice we may offer.

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak. (James 1:19)

STOP AND THINK – When we have enough clarity to turn “Life’s Lemons” into sweet lemonade, we realize what a gift those lemons were! (Inspiration Line)

It’s hard to be grateful for the unexpected problems and difficulties that come into our lives, isn’t it? But, if we look back on those “lemons” and the good that may eventually have come from them, we should be thankful.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

STOP AND THINK – “But” after an apology is like whipped cream on a pickle; they don’t go together. (Erick Ohman, American pastor)

If we place conditions on our apologies, we really haven’t apologized. “I’m sorry, but…” will discredit the sincerity of the apology. For it to be accepted, make sure there are no “ifs,” “ands,” or “buts.”

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as God . . . forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

STOP AND THINK If you want to enjoy the rainbow, be prepared to endure the storm. (Warren Wiersbe, American pastor and author)

There are many experiences in life that we can enjoy, but many of them are the result of a stormy event that preceded them. So, when difficulty faces us, we must remain steadfast in anticipation of the “rainbow” to follow.

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)

STOP AND THINK – Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact. (William James, 19th-20th centuries American philosopher)

Sounds too simple, doesn’t it? Yet, if you are down on life, pessimistic that any good can ever come in your life, you are surely doomed to unpleasantness and a sense of worthlessness. Take a more positive attitude and you may discover the joy of worthy living.

Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:8)

STOP AND THINK – Be the change you wish to see in the world. (Mahatma Gandhi, advocate of non-violent disobedience in India)

We often complain about politics, social ills, and evil around us, and we argue for change. But, where does change begin? It has to start with the individual. If I change, perhaps I can create an environment which will lead to change in others.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2)

STOP AND THINK – We must always fear the wicked. But there is another kind of evil that we must fear most, and that is the indifference of good men. (From the film, The Boondock Saints)

Or, as Edmund Burke put it, “All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” Because we often think we can’t do much against evil, we hesitate to do anything. That’s the formula for disaster. We must do whatever we can to stand up against evil.

Anyone . . . who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins. (James 4:17)

STOP AND THINK – No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it to anyone else. (Charles Dickens, 19th century author and social critic)

Not everyone—in fact, very few are recognized for significant contributions to the general welfare. But even the obscure and unknown person can make a meaningful contribution in the world by helping someone in difficulty.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

STOP AND THINK – If you have much, give of your wealth. If you have little, give of your heart. (Arabic saying)

Remember the Bible story about the widow who gave all she had, while the wealthy donors gave only a small portion of their riches? The widow illustrates the importance of an attitude of gratitude and generosity rather than selfishness and obligation.

But just as you excel in everything . . . see that you also excel in this grace of giving. (2 Corinthians 8:7)

STOP AND THINK – Being good is commendable; but only when it is combined with doing good is it useful.
(American author)

It’s like the old chicken and egg cliché: which came first? It is evident that doing good can come only from being good, an innate quality. But, of course, it is necessary that there is a combination of being and doing good if there is to be any benefit to others.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people. (Galatians 6:10)

STOP AND THINK – Without passion, man is a mere latent force and possibility. (Henri Frederic Amiel, 19th century Swiss philosopher, poet and critic.)

Amiel alludes to “the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth its spark.” Your life may seem dull and fruitless if there is no inner compulsion. If your life is listless, be eager to approach your next task with commitment and passion.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor. (Romans 12:11)

STOP AND THINK – In order to be free, we must learn how to let go. (Mary Manin Morrissey, speaker and author)

Sometimes, as Morrissey goes on to say, “We may want to move forward but we may have one foot on the brake.” Is it possible that we might be the biggest hindrance to our own advancement because of our reluctance to step out to try something new or different?

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on (Philippians 3:12)