GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

December 29, 2012

STOP AND THINK A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. (Anonymous)

We’re approaching the end of the year, and some people are probably thinking about making some resolutions for 2013. Isn’t that a waste of time? We rarely keep them very long, and yet we persist in thinking we can stick with the new goals we set.
 
It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. (Ecclesiastes 5:5)

December 28, 2012

STOP AND THINK By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. (Confucius)

No doubt, we’ve all learned by all three of those methods. And some of those learning experiences have been very difficult, haven’t they? Why do we refuse to think before we act, to copy only those who are truly wise? When we don’t, we have to learn by sad experience. But there is another way.
 
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)

December 27, 2012

STOP AND THINK Next to a circus there ain't nothing that packs up and tears out faster than the Christmas spirit. (Kin Hubbard, American humorist and journalist)

It’s unfortunately true, isn’t it? The sentiment of peace and good will is often lost in the business of life after Christmas—the return to work and study, the end of gift-giving and festive celebrations. How much better it would be if we could prolong the spirit of love, grace, and hope.
 
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)

December 25, 2012

STOP AND THINK I heard the bells on Christmas Day. Their old, familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good will to men! (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

Yes, this is the day that has changed the world. Even our calendars are arranged because of Christmas. (B.C. – “before Christ”; A.D. – “Anno Domini” [the year of our Lord]). But, far more important, it is the day when we celebrate the birth of the Savior.
 
Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)

December 24, 2012

STOP AND THINK He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. (Roy L. Smith, American clergyman)

Tomorrow is the big day for many, but others will celebrate tonight, Christmas Eve. But Smith’s comment is important to consider whether you find gifts under the tree tonight or tomorrow. Earthly gifts are only temporary; they will waste away. But God’s heavenly gift is to be enjoyed by faith eternally.
 
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

December 23, 2012

STOP AND THINK The mystery of Christ, that He sunk Himself into our flesh, is beyond all human understanding. (Martin Luther "Father" of the Protestant Reformation) 

This is Sunday of Christmas week. Churches around the world will be trying to make clear what this season is all about. It’s a mystery, as Martin Luther wrote, that can be understood only by Fortunately, there is a way to play your favorite casino games while sitting in your comfortable room. faith in what God has revealed about this miracle day. The answers are in the Bible.
 
When the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law. (Galatians 4:4-5)

December 21, 2012

STOP AND THINK People were created to be loved. Things were created to be used. The reason the world is in chaos is because things are being loved and people are being used. (Author unknown)

Is that an accurate perspective? We seem to accumulate more and more, and some of our hobbies and entertainment practices certainly suggest an unhealthy attachment to things. On the other hand, it seems that multitudes of needy people are being neglected and too often used for political purposes or personal gain. 
 
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. (James 2:8)

December 20, 2012

STOP AND THINK Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard words. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart. (Author unknown)

Peace is not merely a truce where weapons are not fired and bombs aren’t dropped. It’s not just ceasing to use harsh words or to shout obscenities. The Hebrew word “shalom” offers a helpful understanding of peace. It refers to wholeness or to harmony. When people are living together in harmony, there is genuine peace.
 
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy. (Hebrews 12:14)

December 19, 2012

STOP AND THINK We do not heal the past by dwelling there; we heal the past by living fully in the present. (Marianne Williams, author and lecturer)

Sometimes the failures of the past, or the memories of them, so immobilize us that we cannot function normally. We must overcome that inertia by intentionally working at the present tasks in order to guarantee a better future.
 
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. (Isaiah 43:18)

December 18, 2012

STOP AND THINK Christmas reminds us we are not alone. (Donald E. Westlake, American writer)

A week from today, families all around the world will gather. No one wants to be alone on Christmas. The deeper reminder of the day, however, is that God Himself entered into human existence so that mankind would not be alone, but would have someone who experienced life like every man and who would provide for eternal life with God’s family.
 
The Word (Jesus) became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (John 1:14)

December 17, 2012

STOP AND THINK There are high spots in all of our lives and most of them have come about through encouragement from someone else. (George Matthew Adams, American newspaper columnist)

Though many of us are individualists and like to think that we can do it on our own, in reality we probably have to admit that our best efforts were the result of working with others or being supported by someone. In turn, we should seek to support and encourage others around us, spurring them on to greater achievement.
 
Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds . . . let us encourage one another. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

December 16, 2012

STOP AND THINK If you’re going through hell, keep going. (Winston Churchill)

Life sometimes is very hard, and we may be inclined to give up or to find some way to change our circumstances or environment. But there is much to be gained by perseverance, by sticking it out through difficult times. There may be lessons to be learned that cannot be discovered in any other way. Ask for help and stick with it.
 
Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3-4)