Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – We are what we believe we are! (C. S. Lewis, British Christian apologist) A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes. (Mahatma Gandhi, advocate of non-violent disobedience in India)

What we think really determines how we live. Our moral and ethical standards are the result of how we think about God, life, and values. And the way we think about those things pretty much defines who we become. It is paramount, then, that we put into our minds those things that are worthy and proper if we are to be all that we could be.

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 – One of the secrets of life is to make stepping stones out of stumbling blocks. (Inspiration Line)

It’s a given: We all face obstacles and difficulties in life. We can’t always avoid them, so the question is, “How do we handle those problems?” Successful people use imagination and determination to turn difficult situations into some useful advantage.

I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)

STOP AND THINK The breadth of your library will enhance the depth of your life. (Quoted by Rev. Jim Brown)

With the advent of television, e-mail, and social media, the skill of reading may be a lost art in the 21st century. Perhaps the advent of e-readers will revive the habit of reading books. Let’s hope so, because the wisdom of the world and the understanding of culture and tradition hidden in books will be lost if we don’t continue reading the great literature.

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it. (2 Timothy 3:14)

STOP AND THINK The only person you should try to do better than is the person you were yesterday. (Author unknown)

We often compare ourselves with others. We wish we were as good-looking or as talented as so-and-so. Or, though we would probably never say it aloud, we sometimes think we’re not as bad as, or we’re more talented than somebody else. In either case, we should take an honest view of ourselves and try to improve day by day over what we have been.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment. (Romans 12:3)

STOP AND THINK You are free to choose, but you are not free from the consequences of your choice. (Author unknown)

We all like the freedom of choice, don’t we? To be able to make our own decisions, to pick out what we want and not be restricted to what others might choose for us. But, we must always be aware, that choices have consequences. Think first; then choose. Be prepared to have your choices and deeds judged.

The Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done . . . and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him. (Jude 1:14-15)

STOP AND THINK If you treat an individual … as if he were what he ought to be and could be, he will become what he ought to be and could be. (Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, 18th-19th century German writer, artist, and politician)

The way we respond to people, the way we act and react toward them, contributes to their view of themselves and their achievements. So, we should be very careful in our relationships, trying not to be negative and critical but positive and helpful.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. … 
Let us encourage one another. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

STOP AND THINK It’s not what you look at that matters; it’s what you see. (Henry David Thoreau, 19th century American author and philosopher)

Two people look at a rose plant. One sees the thorns; the other sees the blossom. Likewise, two might be facing a perplexing situation. One sees the hurdles to overcome, the problems to solve, the difficulties to wrestle with. The other, aware of all those things, sees the great opportunities inherent in the situation. Life could be more pleasant if we were more careful to see the positive in what we look at.

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” (Matthew 13:14)

STOP AND THINK In suffering, God is not getting back at you; He is getting you back to Himself. (Bob Kellerman, psychologist and author)

People often think that sickness and suffering are punishments from God. More often, however, they are the result of viruses, injuries, hereditary anomalies, and the inevitable spread of disease. If God allows you to suffer, perhaps He is merely giving you time to think more seriously about life and, particularly, your relationship with Him.

But those who suffer [God] delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction. (Job 36:15)

STOP AND THINK A thankful heart hath a continual feast. (W. J. Cameron, news anchor, columnist, author)

We sometimes speak of an attitude of gratitude, a continual sense of being thankful. Grateful people seem to complain less and to enjoy life more. Circumstances may not always be pleasant but they choose to be glad for the good things they have and to express their gratitude. Oh, that more people were like that!

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. (1 Timothy 4:4)

STOP AND THINK The greatest and noblest pleasure which we have in this world is to discover new truths. (Frederick II, the Great, 18th century Prussian king)

There may be nothing new in the world, as King Solomon said, but there remain truths to be discovered or re-discovered. The scientific data are ancient, but modern technology has only recently discovered how to engineer the data to produce the electronic marvels we use today. Likewise, there are intellectual and spiritual truths yet to be appreciated by many.

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32)

STOP AND THINK It is better to prepare than to repair. (Richard Krejcir, pastor and author)

“Think before you act.” “Measure twice, cut once.” These are reminders that careful advance work can save a lot of work. No one wants to go back and do it all over again. “Do it right the first time” is another worthy admonition. If we were to apply those principles to our words and actions, we’d no doubt develop better relationships and accomplish more good.

Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you. (1 Peter 1:13)

STOP AND THINK Those who turn back, remember the ordeal. Those who persevere, remember the adventure. (Milo Arnold, Christian author)

This quote is presumably from Arnold’s book, The Adventure Called Marriage. In the broader context of life, it is just as appropriate. When we quit our involvement in something difficult, we most often will look back on that experience as a trial. But, if we stick it out to a successful conclusion, we will likely view the experience with greater peace of mind.

Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. (Ruth 1:16)