GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: December 15, 2022

Decisions

Each day, you have three choices: go backward, stay the same or go forward. (Chris Suitt, pastor)

We may not often stop to think about it, but it’s true that our choices often determine failure or success—or maybe it’s just a stalemate. Suitt advises: “Go forward. It’s not easy but going forward is the best choice.” When the choices are difficult, take time to study the options, seek good counsel, and move forward with confidence.

Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose (Psalm 25:2)

Stop & Think: December 14, 2022

Volunteering

There’s nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer. Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle, famed World Ward II pilot)

Four months after the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor in Dec. 1941, Doolittle, the first Air Force general, led a courageous bombing raid on Japan. It seemed to be pretty much Doolittle’s idea against the wishes of high command. So, his comment about volunteers is a powerful incentive for all of us to accept opportunities to offer our services for the benefit of others.

. . . faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy (Philippians 2:17).

Stop & Think: December 13, 2022

Change

Change will never be easy, but it is an unchangeable fact of life. (Kenneth J. Brown, author)

Change is inevitable, and that’s usually a good thing. We move from kindergarten all the way through 12th grade, and we certainly have seen lots of changes over that time. Author Wayne Dyer’s words might make it easier for you, “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Anticipate change and work to make it beneficial.

Now I am glad I sent [my letter], not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways (2 Corinthians 7:9a).

Stop & Think: December 12, 2022

Artistry

Every artist was first an amateur. (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19th century American essayist)

Except for the rare child prodigy, no one becomes a concert pianist without long years of learning and practice. The quality of some world-renowned artists’ work was not recognized until after their death. They may have painted for many years before being accomplished enough to earn a living. Success in any endeavor requires practice, determination, and time.

Jesus: “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice” (Luke 11:18).

Stop & Think: December 11, 2022

Christmas Giving

Always give without remembering and always receive without forgetting. (Brian Tracy, Canadian American motivational speaker)

Perhaps you’ve been going through the list of Christmas cards you received last year, wanting to be sure you don’t forget anyone when you send cards this year. Or maybe you are noticing those who didn’t send greetings and considering dropping them from your list. Tracy’s thought shakes us up a bit. Why are we giving? To get? This year let’s be different; remember what Jesus said.

Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:35).

Stop & Think: December 10, 2022

Success

Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value. (Albert Einstein, late theoretical physicist)

People seem to be born with drive to be successful. As we grow into our teen years, it might be in sports, drama, or music that we dream of being the star. Einstein helps us realize that we may have the wrong definition of success. All members of a team are of value when they do their part well. That’s how we demonstrate our value.

But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value (1 Corinthians 3:13).

Stop & Think: December 9, 2022

Riches

There is nothing wrong with men possessing riches. The wrong comes when riches possess men. (Billy Graham, late evangelist)

Some of God’s chosen people in the Bible were very rich, possessing lots of land and thousands of animals. Abraham gave away much of his. Solomon let wealth go to his head, but his vast fortunes never brought him satisfaction. Job had great riches, but when he lost it all, he maintained his faith and integrity. Does your money own you? Or are you using it wisely?

Don’t store up treasures here on earth . . . Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:19-20).

Stop & Think: December 8, 2022

Double Vision

When you have one eye on the goal, you only have one eye on the path. (Zen Parable)

This idea could be thought of in more than one way. Yes, keeping your eye on the destination is important. To be distracted and look elsewhere even for a moment can take you way off track. On the other hand, if you aren’t aware of the road you’re on, you might very easily stumble or fall. It’s a good practice to keep in mind where you are and, also, where you’re headed.

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

Stop & Think: December 7, 2022

Pearl Harbor Day

Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. (Winston Churchill, British wartime prime minister)

Few people alive today remember the tragic news of the bombing of The U.S. base in Hawaii, which began our involvement in World War II. Offered to British citizens in that war, Churchill’s words should never be forgotten. Today we honor the memories of those gallant service men and women whom God used to preserve our freedom and way of life.

Have you treated [Gideon] with the honor he deserves for all he accomplished? (Judges 9:16)

Stop & Think: December 6, 2022

The Right Way

Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught. (Oscar Wilde, 19th century Irish poet)

Wilde raises an interesting dilemma. We’re often told to keep our eyes on the goal; that way we’ll never miss the end we’re hoping for. On other hand, if our eye is not on the path, we might misstep or make a wrong turn. Perhaps it’s not an either-or but a both-and. The critical issue in Wilde’s comment might just be the first word: education. Learn to do both well.

Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take (Proverbs 3:6).

Stop & Think: December 5, 2022

At Home

He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home. (Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, 18th-19th century German poet)

In “The Wizard of Oz” Dorothy was encouraged to repeat: “There’s no place like home.”  And that has been the thought of many travelers—whether on a business trip or away on vacation. Of course, that’s only true if their home is a place of peace and security, which we must continually work for. It is also the picture of an eternal home that awaits the children of God.

There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? (John 14:2).

Stop & Think: December 4, 2022

Holiday Reminder

Your children need your presence more than your presents. (Jesse Jackson, social activist)

As you work through your Christmas gift list this month and consider what the children will want, consider this good advice. Gifts are an appropriate way to express love, but they may be quickly lost or broken. What really lasts is the sense of belonging that children will develop with parents who are there through the year as well as on holidays.

The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them (Proverbs 20:7)