GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

January 15, 2013

STOP AND THINK When it is time to die, let us not discover that we never lived. (Henry David Thoreau, 19th century American author and philosopher)

Simply adding months to months and years to years is merely existing, not living. Learning, doing, achieving—these are the elements of life that make it worthwhile, both personally and to others. At the end our works will be judged, and no one wants to look back to see nothing of value accomplished.
 
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)

January 14, 2013

STOP AND THINK To give and not expect anything in return; to give for no special time or season … to give for the sake of giving … has a life of its own—an elevated one. (Inspiration Line)

Jesus said that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Some have not yet discovered that truth in their own experience. We live in a generation that wants to receive rather than to give. Try giving without expecting return or recognition. It will give you real joy.
 
But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us —see that you also excel in this grace of giving. (2 Corinthians 8:7)

January 13, 2013

STOP AND THINK Your happiness has less to do with your circumstances (results included) than it has to do with your perspective. (Tom Roy, founder of a ministry to professional ballplayers)

We are inclined to blame our circumstances or someone else when things don’t go well, aren’t we? We think we would be happier if this or that was different, if someone had done or not done something for us. But, really, happiness is more clearly related to how we look at life and circumstances. Think positively with a long-range view and a heavenly perspective.
 
To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness. (Ecclesiastes 2:26)

January 12, 2013

STOP AND THINK It is error only, and not truth, that shrinks from inquiry. (Thomas Paine, 18th century English-American political theorist and revolutionary)

If you are careful to speak only the truth, you are not afraid to have your word tested and examined. You don’t need to lie to back up what you’ve said. Your story doesn’t have to change to fit new circumstances. What freedom that gives you.
 
You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)

January 11, 2013

STOP AND THINK The fact that man knows right from wrong proves his intellectual superiority to other creatures; but the fact that he can DO wrong proves his moral inferiority to any creature that cannot. (Mark Twain)

Samuel Clemens (his real name) rightly observed that man is different from the animals and that he inherently “knows right from wrong.” He falls short, however, in understanding the significance of his observations. Who set the standard for right and wrong? Does man have in himself the ability to always choose right? Important questions!
 
You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. (Isaiah 64:5)

January 10, 2013

STOP AND THINK The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor. (Vince Lombardi, football coach)

Coach Lombardi’s success proved the validity of this statement. His teams won games because the individual players worked hard at doing their best, whatever their assignment. It almost seems that life today tends toward mediocrity. We must put forth our best effort to become all that we can potentially be. Work at it!
 
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart. (Colossians 3:23)

January 9, 2013

STOP AND THINK Man is always inclined to be intolerant towards the thing, or person, he hasn't taken the time adequately to understand. (Robert R. Brown)

If we haven’t seen or heard about something before, we’re likely to disbelieve or discount its reports. The same is true of people, it seems. We make assumptions about strangers or people we’ve met only in passing, and we may even misinterpret what they say or do. We would be offended if we were treated that way, wouldn’t we?
 
Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment. (John 7:24)

January 8, 2013

STOP AND THINK If I could look at myself from God’s perspective, what would I see as my true needs? (Oswald Chambers)

We sometimes speak of peoples’ “felt needs,” the personal requirements that one senses he or she must have. The question might be asked, however, if those are the real basic needs required for life and health. Or, are they simply what one thinks he needs for happiness or pleasure? What really are our basic needs? And where do we go to have them met?
 
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

January 7, 2013

STOP AND THINK Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace. (Jonathan Lockwood Huie, author)

Forgiving someone who has offended or hurt you is necessary but it is not easy. It’s human nature to be defensive and protective, but learning to get along with others in profitable relationships does require forgiveness. The offender may not change, but at least you will have peace of mind that you’ve done the right thing.
 
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13)

January 6, 2013

STOP AND THINK What someone is begins to be revealed when his talent abates, when he stops showing us what he can do. (Friedrich Nietzsche, 19th century German philosopher and poet)

We most often judge someone by what he or she does and can do. It’s their talents and abilities—their accomplishments that impress us. But what do we see or know of them when their deeds are done and forgotten? What’s left? We are reminded once again that what we are is more important than what we do.
 
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity [and] seriousness. (Titus 2:7)

January 5, 2013

STOP AND THINK They dread the idea of going against the current of the times. In a word, the opinion of the day becomes their religion, their creed, their Bible, and their God. (From J. C Ryle: Dangers For Young Men)

Ryle was writing about a fear of others’ opinions. So often we are unduly influenced by others to disregard our own thinking and training to pursue what might please others. But the ideas of men change with the times, and there doesn’t seem to be a solid, unchanging basis for truth. So, let the truth God has given us in His Word and in His Son guide your life.
 
Jesus: ‘For this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37)

January 4, 2013

STOP AND THINK Beware of fretting, murmuring, complaining, and giving way to an impatient spirit. The lessons that we learn on a sick-bed, when we are shut out from the world, are often lessons which we should never learn elsewhere. (Author unknown)

These statements were written as a summary of thoughts on what sickness is meant to accomplish, implying that it’s not simply incidental or accidental. Complaining certainly doesn’t make us feel better when we’re sick, but an open and eager mind can make even our down times valuable learning experiences. 
 
Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered. (Hebrews 5:8)