GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: May 24, 2023

Just Do It!

Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out. (James Bryan Conant, late educator)

We probably don’t often think of turtles as examples to follow, although the legend of the tortoise and the hare offers a powerful example of persistence. Conant isn’t saying don’t try to make progress but rather, move ahead slowly, making sure you know what your goal is and how you’re going to reach it. We should count the cost and plan ahead as well as we can.

But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? (Luke 14:28)

Stop & Think: May 23, 2023

Salvation

Human salvation can be found neither in the profusion of material goods nor in merely making money. (Alexander (Solzhenitsyn, Russian author)

It would seem that many don’t accept the noted Russian writer’s comment. Overloaded garages and storage units reflect the idea that whoever has the most wins. Reports of some very wealthy people who have gone down in disgrace would indicate that financial gain isn’t the answer either. Again, the Bible has the answer.

I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation (Psalm 62:1-2)

Stop & Think: May 22, 2023

Failure 2

I don’t know the key to success, but I do know the key to failure is trying to please everyone. (TV comedian)

In time we all face the dilemma of differing expectations that others have for us. Politicians, in particular, quickly discover that some of their supporters make demands that they cannot pursue in good conscience. Giving in may win an election, but it could hardly be called success from the perspective of integrity and character. Losing an election is far better than losing your soul.

And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? (Matthew 16:26)

Stop & Think: May 21, 2023

Failure 1

Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of success. (Arianna Huffington, Greek American author)

Huffington wrote: “We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes.” Hasn’t that been the experience of us all? It’s encouraging to know that famous inventors often fail dozens of times before they create something that is useful and efficient. Don’t be discouraged when you fail; it’s part of your success.

The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again (Proverbs 24:16)

Stop & Think: May 20, 2023

Calendars

We must not allow the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and a mystery. (H G Wells, 19th-20th English century writer)

Whether it’s the office calendar on our desk or the digital datebooks on our phone and computer, they do seem to have significant control of our lives. We can no longer count on our memory or a simple wristwatch to remind us of our schedule. For many, life has become so complicated that digital calendars with alarms are almost a necessity. Oh, for a simpler lifestyle of appreciation!

Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands (1 Thessalonians 4:11).

Stop & Think: May 19, 2023

Judgments

If you choose bad companions no one will believe that you are anything but bad yourself. (Aesop’s Fables)

A fable is sometimes a legend or a story that may or may not be true. In this case, there is little doubt that this axiom is altogether true. How many times have we judged someone because of the people they associate with? Two lessons: 1) Don’t judge before you have all the facts; 2) it is a good warning because our own character may be judged by this same standard.

Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. (Matthew 7:1-2)

Stop & Think: May 18, 2023

Character

What we do when defeat stares us in the face is the real touchstone of character. (Orison Swett Marden, 19th-20th century American author)

When we receive a promotion at work or win a sports trophy, it’s natural to feel good about ourselves and proud about the honor. But what do people see when the outcome isn’t so good? That’s when we’re put to the test. We must develop the strength of character that is positive in both good and bad circumstances.

May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ (Philppians 1:11).

Stop & Think: May 17, 2023

Attitude 2

Bringing intent to our rituals gives us the chance to rewire our attitudes. But first we need to see it. (Seth Godin, author and businessman)

We all subscribe to and practice certain ritualistic behaviors, often religious in nature. As Godin seems to suggest, if we’re not careful, those rituals can become merely routines that have lost their significance. We may even forget the truths those religious symbols and rites are to remind us of. An attitude of intentional devotion will bring true meaning to the rituals we practice.

Those who worship worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs (Jonah 2:8).

Stop & Think: May 16, 2023

Attitude 1

The words you tell yourself each day have a huge impact on your attitude and your choices. (Chris Suitt, pastor)

Suitt continues, “You are not a victim! . . . So start waking up each day with a victorious attitude.” Many people have listened to loud voices telling them they have been mistreated and cheated, deprived of what rightfully should be theirs. They find it hard to have a positive outlook on life. Suitt’s advice is certainly a key to helping people develop a healthier outlook on life.

Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life . . . Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes (Ephesians 22-23).

Stop & Think: May 15, 2023

Gratitude

There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart. (Celia Thaxter, 19th century American poet)

Thaxter must have really appreciated summer over the other three seasons, while others like winter sports or the beautiful changing of the seasons in spring and summer. No matter, her point is easily understood and would be really helpful if we all lived by it. That is, the attitude of gratitude makes life more pleasant for everyone—you and all those around you at any season.

Sing to the Lord with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp (Psalm 147:7)

Stop & Think: May 14, 2023

Mother’s Day

Motherhood: all love begins and ends there. (Robert Browning, 19th century English poet)

Abraham Lincoln expressed a similar thought when he wrote, “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” It’s unfortunate that in today’s society, there are so many single mothers who struggle to provide for their children. Such mothers should be encouraged and helped so they can provide the kind of mothering Browning and Lincoln wrote about.

Give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy (Proverbs 23:25).

Stop & Think: May 13, 2023

Opportunity

While we stop to think, we often miss our opportunity. (Publilius Syrus, ancient Latin writer)

Does this sound like a debatable premise? Yes, if you were to spend hours and days considering whether to move forward on a proposal, you may very well miss out on the plan. On the other hand, if you jump into a good-sounding venture before you’ve carefully considered the pros and cons, you may lose out on a promising project. Think carefully and move forward wisely.

Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone … Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. (Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 5:16)