GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: August 15, 2023

Discipline

The temptation to take the easy road is always there. Jocko Willink, (retired US Navy Seal)

Even the tough Navy seals were likely at times to give in to the temptation to take an easier path. That’s the experience for anyone who faces difficult times or tasks. There always seems to be an easier way to get what we’re after. Willink continues, “. . . But discipline is paramount to ultimate success and victory . . .” Don’t give in or give up; stick with the incentive to win.

Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment . . . whoever learns from correction is wise (Proverbs 23:23; 15:5).

Stop & Think: August 14, 2023

Priorities

When your priorities are confused, don’t be surprised if you are, too! (Author uncertain)

We all have a standard of values and priorities, and we live by them, often unconsciously. When we forget or confuse them, we may find ourselves way off track, wondering how we got there. It’s good practice to routinely reconsider—maybe even reorder—your priorities so you are always living up to the purposes you have established for your life.

Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts (1 Thessalonians 2:4).

Stop & Think: August 13, 2023

Expectations

Our limitations and success will be based, most often, on our own expectations for ourselves. (Denis Waitley, motivational speaker)

Remember the story of the Little Engine that made it up the hill because he thought he could? Apparently, Waitley concurred. Self-image is important in determining one’s failure or success. The person who acts with confidence will more likely succeed and achieve his goals. To the contrary, the uncertain person may not reach his goals, because he really doesn’t expect to.

The hopes of the godly will be granted . . . The hopes of the godly result in happiness (Proverbs 10:24, 28).

Stop & Think: August 12, 2023

Hypocrisy

When our “on stage” life in any vocation becomes our real life, we’re in trouble. (Gloria Gaither, songwriter)

Hypocrisy: pretending to be what one is not. When musicians, actors, or people in the public eye try to portray themselves as something they really aren’t, they may be overcome with a false sense of their own importance. Before we judge them, we should think about our own public persona. Are we real or trying to be seen as something we’re not?

So, get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech (1 Peter 2:1).

Stop & Think: August 11, 2023

Change

Change will never be easy, but it is an unchangeable fact of life. (Source unknown)

Here are two more helpful statements on change. “Change is never easy but always possible” (Barack Obama). “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves” (Viktor E. Frankl, holocaust survivor). To overcome the difficulty, we cannot give in; we must work to change our attitude that could bring a change in our circumstances.

Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth (2 Timothy 2:25).

Stop & Think: August 10, 2023

Learning

The more I know, the less I know. (From a Puritan prayer)

When we’re young, we realize that there is a lot to learn; that’s why we go to school and study. As we grow older, we might tend to think that there isn’t a whole lot more we need to know. With the advance of technology and artificial intelligence, we’re discovering that we really know very little. We must keep learning and growing.

Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge. (Proverbs 18:15)

Stop & Think: August 9, 2023

Forgiving

Forgiving is not a gift to someone else. Forgiving is your gift to yourself—the gift of happiness. (Jonathan Lockwood Huie, inspirational writer)

We most often think about the offender as the one who needs forgiveness, and, of course, that’s true. But the forgiver is also a great beneficiary when he or she forgives someone for their offense. The long-awaited apology may never come, but forgiving in advance removes that expectation and brings greater freedom.

Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others (Colossians 3:13).

Stop & Think: August 8, 2023

Encouragement

It doesn’t matter how many people say no to you as long as the right people say yes. (Unknown; many have said something similar)

“It’s a good idea, but you won’t be able to do it.” “It will cost too much.” “It’s never worked before.”  You can get all kinds of negative feedback when you ask for advice for your pet project. You really want someone to give you support, and you want that encouragement from the people who are intelligent, relevant, and knowledgeable. When they “Yes,” go for it.

The words of the godly encourage many . . . Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them (Proverbs 10:21; Ephesians 4:29)

Stop & Think: August 7, 2023

Excuses

People who fail in life are people who find lots of excuses. (Dr. Ben Carson, noted neurosurgeon)

Carson served in circumstances where excuses could hardly be tolerated. No matter how rare, mistakes in the medical field have to be corrected immediately or a life might be in danger. No excuse will do. But a mistake should not paralyze a person. We must recognize that improving and moving forward increase the potential for success. Make no excuses, move on ahead.

Someone is watching you closely, you know— Someone not impressed with weak excuses (Proverbs 24:12, The Message).

Stop & Think: August 6, 2023

Focus

Where focus goes, energy flows. (Tony Robbins, Life Coach)

Robbins continues: “And where energy flows, whatever you’re focusing on grows.” In our many-faceted world, there is so much to see and experience. Sometimes it’s difficult to concentrate because our interests change. But to be successful, we need to narrow our focus to what’s really important and worthy and give our energy to its pursuit.

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13).

Stop & Think: August 5, 2023

Judging

Judging a person does not define who they are. It defines who you are. (Kirk Clulee, author)

We seem to have an innate need to judge other people. Sports fans judge the umpires and referees. Voters judge their political rivals, and TV viewers often think they have a better idea. As Clulee says, however, a critical attitude says more about the critics themselves. Too often it’s a matter of pride and a sense of superiority that reflects poorly on the “judge.”

For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged (Matthew 7:2).

Stop & Think: August 4, 2023

Stand for What’s Right

It takes a great deal of courage to stand up against your enemies, but even more to stand up to your friends. (J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series)

We admire those defenders who serve in harm’s way to protect our nation, often facing danger or death. With courage in spite of fear, they stand. Could it be harder to confront a friend when you see them doing wrong? Are we tempted to give in rather than risk a friendship? That’s when we need courage to speak truth.

The godly give good advice to their friends . . . Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. (Proverbs 12:26; 27:6)