Daily Stop & Thinks

Everything in this life has purpose. There are no mistakes, no coincidences, all events are blessings given to us to learn from.
(Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Swiss American psychiatrist)

From a purely human viewpoint, we might disagree with this statement. After all, we have to confess to having made mistakes, don’t we? Yet, on a higher plane, Kubler-Ross is right. What happens can be to our great benefit.

In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

I have never been able to conceive how any rational being could propose happiness to himself from the exercise of power over others. (Thomas Jefferson)

Contrary to Jefferson’s thought, the world has seen far too many tyrants who assume power and control over their subjects. Thankfully, that has not been the American way, nor is it the way to strong relationships. Leaders are to serve.

To the elders among you, I appeal . . . Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care . . . not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples. (1 Peter 5:1-3)

STOP AND THINK Sickness is meant to make us look at our past lives honestly, fairly, and conscientiously. (Source unknown)

When we are sick or injured, we almost always ask, “Why?” “Why did this happen to me?” There aren’t any easy answers, but the sickbed does provide the time and opportunity to evaluate our lives and to see the changes that we may need to make.

Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! (Luke 12:24)

STOP AND THINK To be sure, reputations are not always accurate. Yet, in the long run we usually get a reputation that is close to what we deserve. (Dan Doriani, Presbyterian pastor)

Character is what you really are; it’s a matter of integrity. Reputation is what people think you are; it’s a matter of observation. What you do will ultimately reflect what you really are because what you are does come out in what you do.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

STOP AND THINK Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. (Martin Luther King, Jr.)

Ignorance is no excuse, they say. Even sincerity will not make up for activity based on incorrect information. You can be sincerely wrong, because you haven’t tried to find the truth and learn from it.

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. (1 Peter 1:14)

Our society strives to avoid any possibility of offending everyone except God.
(Billy Graham, 20^th century evangelist)

Today’s emphasis in society seems to be tolerance. It’s politically incorrect to say or do anything that would offend anyone. The only problem is that speaking the truth may sometimes be offensive. Tolerance of wrongdoing is not a virtue. It offends God.

Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. (Ezekiel 18:31)

The way to develop the best that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement.
(Charles Schwab, Founder and chairman of the Charles Schwab Corporation)

Apparently, Schwab knows more than just how to help people invest their funds well. He understands what it means to invest in people. Men and women most often respond to words of thanks and support more than any other motivation.

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4)

I would rather be able to appreciate things I cannot have than to have things I am not able to appreciate.
(Elbert Hubbard, 19^th-20^th century American writer, artist, philosopher)

A noble thought but terribly difficult to practice. Americans seem never to be satisfied and are always wanting more. But happiness can be found in less rather than more.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.
(Hebrews 13:5)

Hate is like a cancer. It doesn’t matter if you have a little cancer or a lot of cancer — it’s still cancer. (Inspiration Line)

To hear the doctor use the big “C” word is a frightening experience. It doesn’t matter if it’s small; it’s still scary. Sin is a lot like that, too. Even the smallest of wrongdoing can ruin one’s life and hope.

After desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (James 1:15)

Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood.
(David Hudson Burnham, 19^th-20^th century American architect)

When a designer draws plans for a huge project, it creates excitement and a desire to see the completed masterpiece. When we make any plans, we would do well to dream big it will motivate us to give it our best and pursue success.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and . . . to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

In our life there is a single color, as on an artist`s palette, which provides the meaning of life and art. It is the color of love. (Marc Chagall, Russian-French artist)

Your emotions do affect everything in your life, don’t they? What is the emotion most often reflected in your attitudes? If it’s love, it will certainly paint a beautiful picture people will be drawn to.

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

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
(Berthold Auerbach, 19^th century Jewish-German poet)

Music is certainly one of God’s great gifts to man. While there is a great variety of types and styles of music, almost everyone appreciates some kind of the art. It can create a wide range of responses from melancholy to joy. The Bible instructs us to use music to praise God and to encourage our fellow men.

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:19)