GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

December 15, 2012

STOP AND THINK Sickness is meant to prompt us to ask, “Am I ready for my great change if I should not get better? Am I prepared to meet God? (Author unknown)

When we’re injured or sick for a long time, we tend to think more seriously about life. We begin to think about what’s next. What’s on the other side of death? It’s a time for serious soul-searching in light of the biblical statement that all are appointed to die once and then to face judgment (Hebrews 9:27).
 
Prepare to meet your God! (Amos 4:12)

December 14, 2012

STOP AND THINK Youth is the time when we have generally our most health and strength: death seems far away, and to enjoy ourselves in this life seems to be everything. (J. C. Ryle, 19th century Anglican bishop, speaking to young men)

“Eat, drink, and be merry” seems to be the mantra for many young people. Uncertain of the future, and often unable to cope with today’s life and its economic trials, they live for the moment with no thought for the future. They would do well to follow the counsel of the Bible.
 
For the grace of God . . . teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age. (Titus 2:11-13)

December 13, 2012

Your character isn’t manifest by what you prepare to do. It’s manifest by what you’re not prepared for and how you react to that. Your involuntary reaction shows your character. (paraphrased from John MacArthur, American preacher)

 
MacArthur goes on to say that it’s the things that catch us off guard and reveal the weakness of our hearts that show who we really are. We can put on a great front when we have time to prepare, but it’s the unexpected that tests our real character.
 
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. (Proverbs 11:3)

December 12, 2012

STOP AND THINK Choices, not chance, determine destiny. (From a church sign board)

Some folks like to leave everything to chance. “What will be will be,” they say. However, experience teaches us all too quickly that our choices really do determine what happens. Choices have consequences, so we must be wise and careful when we choose.
 
Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. (Proverbs 8:10-11)

December 11, 2012

STOP AND THINK A joy that is shared is a joy that is doubled. (John Ray, 17th century English naturalist)

It’s two weeks till Christmas. Already, children are eagerly anticipating the joy of new toys, gifts from Saint Nicholas, and family fun. Their parents know that such fun makes good memories, but it will soon be forgotten as life returns to normal after the holidays. We should remember that the source of joy is in the real Christmas.
 
Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. (Luke 2:10)

December 10, 2012

There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind. (C. S. Lewis, British Christian apologist))

Because we can’t see into the future, we sometimes are afraid to think about it or to imagine what lies ahead. Yet, we can’t hang on to the past; we must work hard to prepare for the future and expect the good that lies ahead.

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)

December 9, 2012

If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere. (Frank A. Clark, 20th century writer and cartoonist)

We all discovered early on that life isn’t just one long, smooth road. In fact, we’ve faced all kinds of problems and difficulties—most of which gave us wonderful opportunities for learning. We may follow many paths but we do well to seek the one that leads to a life of fulfillment and service. 

Let us go up to the mountain of the LORD. . . . He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths. (Isaiah 2:3)

December 8, 2012

I am a slow walker, but I never walk backwards. (Abraham Lincoln)

“Slow and steady wins the race,” they say. But unless it’s a childhood game, walking backwards doesn’t win. It’s steadfastness, consistency, persistence in the right direction and in the right task that wins in the end.

Let us throw off everything that hinders . . . and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1)

December 7, 2012

Appreciation can make a day—even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary. (Margaret Cousins, early 20th century political activist)

It’s easy to criticize, to make judgments, and correct others in their errors. That might be of some help in the educational process, but how much better it is to motivate a learner with words of encouragement and appreciation.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. (Proverbs 25:11)

December 6, 2012

If you tell people where to go, but not how to get there, you’ll be amazed at the results. (George Patton, U.S. Army general in World War II)

They’re called “micro-managers,” the people who are controllers by nature. They not only tell you what to do or where to go but detail for us how to get there. The result may be exactly what the boss intended, but how much better the result might have been if the doer had been trained and then encouraged to exercise his own judgment and skills.

And the things you have heard me say . . . entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2:2)

December 5, 2012

Hatred can be communicated in one sentence. Love has to be lived out. (John Shirk, contemporary American poet)

A hateful thought or word can be expressed in an instant of time, but the effects will be long-lasting. Love, on the other hand, can be thought and expressed in a moment, but it takes a long and persistent commitment to be realized and effective.

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

December 4, 2012


Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone. (Charley Brown in Peanuts) 

Three weeks from today millions around the world will celebrate Christmas. This time of year the “Christmas spirit” pervades our hearts, and we want to do kind and generous things for people. It’s a noble sentiment, but it is only a mere suggestion of the season’s real meaning. 

If you . . . know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:11)