GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: July 22, 2023

Beauty

Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old. (Franz Kafka, 20th century Bohemian novelist)

Our environment is not always beautiful. Neither are the circumstances of life always pleasant and comforting. Not only is “beauty in the eye of the beholder,” as the saying goes, it is likely nearby and needs only to be seen to be enjoyed. Look for the flower growing in the mud, for example. A positive, expectant perspective might reveal more beauty than you imagined.

Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God. (Isaiah 35:2)

Stop & Think: July 21, 2023

Improvement

People are anxious to improve their circumstances but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound. (James Allen, 18th-19th century British writer)

“If only I had a different job . . . boss . . . teacher . . . computer . . ., I could be a better person and do a better job.” Sometimes we think that way, blaming our shortcomings on anyone or anything that occurs to us. We need to be reminded, as Allen suggests, that we are bound, not by circumstances but by our unwillingness to change. That’s where improvement begins.

“I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things” (Revelation 2:19).

Stop & Think: July 20, 2023

Conflict

The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. (Thomas Paine, English-born American Founding Father)

In describing life’s difficulties, Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow observed, “Into each life some rain must fall.” We simply can’t avoid all conflict, but Paine was probably thinking of impending war—really serious conflict. As we know now, of course, the conflict that was envisioned in the late 18th century resulted in the triumph that brought the USA into existence.

But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession (2 Corinthians 2:14).

Stop & Think: July 19, 2023

Expectancy

Start each day with expectancy, not expectations. (Gloria Gaither, songwriter)

Gaither continues, “If we start today with expectations, we will almost certainly be disappointed.” But if we live with expectancy, we may find things to be much more pleasing. If you attend a movie or concert and your expectations are not met, you will be disappointed. Start you day with hopeful expectancy and you might be surprised how well the day goes.

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly (Psalm 5:3).

Stop & Think: July 18, 2023

Winning

Acceptance is building a bridge not making a point, winning a heart not winning an argument, and accepting not convincing. (Former pastor)

From childhood we seem to have an insatiable need to win. It doesn’t change much as we grow older. Whether it’s in sports, music, or debate, we just don’t want to lose. This is most evident when it’s a matter of opinion. We simply must win or, at least, have the last word. How much better when we learn to build bridges, establish good relationships, and accept our differences.

An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars (Proverbs 18:19). 

Stop & Think: July 17, 2023

What Is Life?

Life is only an opportunity for usefulness. (From a Puritan prayer)

It’s the question that has been asked from the beginning of time: “What is the meaning of life?” What’s its purpose? The Bible book of Ecclesiastes deals extensively with that issue. It views life from man’s point of view, concluding “Fear God and keep his commandments.” That will result in using life’s opportunities to honor him and benefit his creation and humanity.

Fear of the Lord lengthens one’s life . . . Keep the commandments and keep your life. (Proverbs 10:27; 19:16)

Stop & Think: July 16, 2023

Vengeance

Vengeance is having a videotape planted in your soul that cannot be turned off. (Lewis B. Smedes, late seminary professor)

As noted elsewhere, often our natural human response is to try to get even with someone who has offended us. Until we can “get even,” however, we are continually overcome with thoughts about how and when we can do it. Too often the result is that we are far more concerned and worried about the wrong done to us than the offender is. What a waste of emotional energy!

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord (Romans 12:19).

Stop & Think: July 15, 2023

Forgiveness

When a deep injury is done us, we never recover until we forgive. (Alan Paton, 20th century South African writer.

That causes us to think about our injuries in a fresh way. When someone hurts or offends us, our natural human response is to get even. Perhaps we are waiting for the offender to apologize and ask for our forgiveness. But a great weight in our spirit is relieved when we learn to forgive. Robert Brault said, “Life becomes easier when you learn to accept an apology you never got.”

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: July 14, 2023

Friendship

The friendship that can cease has never been real. (Saint Jerome, 4th century theologian)

We call them “Fair-weather friends,” companions we thought were close but who left our side when things got tough. Those are really hurtful experiences, but we can all recall times like that. It’s a good time to evaluate our relationships. We want to have friends we can trust, who will always support us; and we want to be lasting friends to others, too.

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need . . . There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 17:17; 18:24)

Stop & Think: July 13, 2023

Failures and Learning

Life isn’t perfect, any failures you have are actually learning moments. (Phillipa Soo, American actress and singer)

What is to be learned from our failures? Soo continues, “They teach us how to grow and evolve.” Life’s experiences are not only the result of past learning and practice but also teaching tools for the future. We may stop growing physically, but there is plenty of room for emotional, mental, and spiritual growth as we age. Mistakes provide unique opportunities for learning.

Whoever learns from correction is wise . . . Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge. (Proverbs 15:5; 18:15)

Stop & Think: July 12, 2023

Gratitude

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul. (Henry Ward Beecher, 19th century social reformer)

Whatever happened to “Yes, Sir” and “Thank you, Ma’am”? Such social graces seem to have been lost in much of today’s world. There was a time when we might say, “Thank you” to the guy who filled our gas tank and washed the windshield. Both the service and the response have disappeared today. But an attitude of gratitude should always be our first response.

Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks (1 Timothy 4:4).

Stop & Think: July 11, 2023

A Journey

Every journey begins with a single step. (Maya Angelou, late poet)

It’s a common saying that probably needs to be repeated. Some people seem to be stuck in place because they fear what might lie ahead. There isn’t much of a challenge in such a life nor any prospect of joy in life’s adventure. As author Rachel Anders put it, “The journey of a lifetime starts with the turning of a page.” So, turn the page and take that step to see what’s ahead.

Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you (Proverbs 4:25).